tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69034117890572753762024-03-03T19:26:04.514-05:00still waters refugeRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-64922602809242597462022-11-08T17:53:00.003-05:002022-11-08T17:53:37.837-05:00We are the Future<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">We are the future.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">
We who are people of love, peace, kindness and compassion for all beings everywhere.</span></div><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are people of color. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are young. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are women. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are new immigrants and refugees . </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are LGBTQ people. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are Muslim and Jewish and people of every faith, or no faith. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are financially poor. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We who are hard working people who need and deserve to be able to enjoy life and earn a living.</span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><div style="text-align: left;">We who call for equity in law, economics, education, healthcare, housing, and freedom to stand and use your voice.</div></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Regardless of what happens today — even if those who think otherwise regain control of the House or the Senate or both, even if they take over some governorships, even if those who advocate otherwise, create veto-proof majorities in one state or another — </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">even their filibusters, their gerrymanders, their suppression of votes, their attempts to intimidate us — none of the obstacles and barriers they’re putting in our path will stop rise.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">We are the future.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Whatever the outcome of this one election, be brave and take heart, and believe in yourself and one another.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Vote everyday with all the privilege you possess.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Do good, avoid evil, pray and ask for help and help those who ask.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Wherever it is we need to go , we can already be there, if we hold fast to our hearts desires and</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Love one another.</span></p>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-33191808927430986362022-09-11T20:28:00.001-04:002022-09-11T20:28:05.842-04:00Reflections on Forgiveness<div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes we hurt each other, knowingly or unknowingly.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes others hurt us.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes we hurt ourselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hurt is only one possibility in relationship and unless you turn your back on it, not the end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Facilitating groups, I ask for the first agreement to be forgiveness in advance.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even with our best intentions, our listening, our compassion, we will create occasions to hurt, to harm, each other and ourselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then we forgive.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Forgive the past, the present and the future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Forgiving and remembering and being awake to what was, is and will be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Forgiveness can be a letting go that you can create a happy past.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Forgiveness- the practice of it, even if you only believe it may happen in the future, lightens and opens the heart to all the possibilities beyond hurt, shame, blame and shoulds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Forgiveness may not prevent the hurt and harmful behaviors from happening again, and it does prevent the hurt from harming your heart.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Modeling forgiveness helps others who are hurting to forgive. You can do this!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Please, call on the hearts of others when you cannot forgive. We are here to care for each other when we are helpless to help ourselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">If we have a problem between us-let us listen to each other and open our hearts to tech other that we may be friends</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">If we cannot hear each other-let us ask friends who can help us to do so, that we may know we are among friends and are not alone in our concerns for one another.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">If we as a community cannot hear each other-let us seek help ofd the elders to guide us into unity.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">May no one, in any circumstance feel alone, or be cast out without a friend.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">As I was taught forgiveness, it is not just a moral guideline, it is a way of life.<br />
I weigh myself down wan I insist on holding on to anger, judgement and blame.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">When I choose to forgive, I can walk lighter and more cheerfully and kindly in the world.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">There are times, when inspire of my doing my best to listen, and forgive, I do have to cast a person out of my life, in the present moment. I can still pray that, that will change. I can still forgive.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 500;">When I hold no enmity in my heart, I can have no enemies.</span><br />
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May all beings be happy.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">May all beings be peaceful.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">May all beings have felt safety and protection from harm.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">May all beings be well in body mind and spirit.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">May all being s be free.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 500; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">Comments and prayer requests always welcomed.</span></p></h1></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-68366031051101341942022-07-03T09:19:00.011-04:002022-07-03T18:39:05.531-04:00Fear Not/ A moment of optimism .<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">A moment of optimism:</div><div style="text-align: center;">The current moral panic, is based on a realistic fear, not imagined, that something is happening to encourage us, </div><div style="text-align: center;">especially our children and young adults </div><div style="text-align: center;">to have empathy for each other </div><div style="text-align: center;">and to do what they can to end suffering.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I say to you in this moment, fear not.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are not alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are not alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are not alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep repeating this until it is written on your heart and you believe it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be Brave.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let your heart and spirit guide you when, how and what to speak.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check in with Spirit and community if you feel unsure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In moments of weakness, call on the heart of the way showers </div><div style="text-align: center;">jesus, buddha, krishna, allah, the great mother...</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are not alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Faith.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even in that which is unseen.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at the history.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You have overcome every oppression inward and outward so far.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We know that all the merit of our days is not for ourselves alone, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and Spirit is eternal in goodness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take refuge.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the teachings and guidance of eternity.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In each other.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are not alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Together we can and will transform everything into the lighted path.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember to be grateful to everyone and everything.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do good.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Avoid Evil</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pray for help.</div><div style="text-align: center;">While we cannot expect applause, we can take comfort in each other in the present moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are not alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In times of weakness, remember those who wish to oppress and dominate, have small, sick, sad, lonely lives, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Mistakenly, believing controlling others gives them life force.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at our beautiful children and grandchildren and all of our mothers and grandmothers who gave and continue to give us</div><div style="text-align: center;">Life</div><div style="text-align: center;">Balance</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">Peace and ease of being</div><div style="text-align: center;">Safety and protection from all harm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wellness, in body mind and spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And as all one community of life,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we will all continue to do what we can</div><div style="text-align: center;">in this beautiful, perfect present moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To end suffering for all beings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And be free.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Prayer requests, Comments and questions always welcomed.</div><p></p>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-20713981698496093112022-06-25T19:22:00.002-04:002022-06-25T19:22:52.512-04:00Protection<div style="text-align: left;"> Spiritual protection grows from living with the awareness of inner light and Spirit.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know this for myself, and I wish to be living witness of this for others.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I see myself and all beings, surrounded and held with unconditional compassionate love of spirit, and each other.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We can know this and hold this, regardless of outward appearances and circumstances.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spiritual Strength comes to us through grace, as a gift, and when we can't find it for ourselves,</div><div style="text-align: left;">the hearts of all the way showers and teachers, are available to us to borrow until we can.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I see divine spirit weaving us all together in a comforting and healing garment of Light.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I see all the merit of all the goodness of our lives reviving the world we pray for, for ourselves and our children.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That all beings may be happy.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That all beings may be peaceful and know ease of being.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That all beings may be safe, and protected from all harm.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That all beings may be well in body, mind and spirit.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And that all beings may come to know a perfect end of suffering and be free.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My heart is open, and I pray yours is too.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Please ask if you need me, and that will make it easier for me to do the same.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Comments and Questions always welcomed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-44984167039197573832021-06-10T09:55:00.001-04:002021-06-10T09:55:52.451-04:00Star Light Star Bright light<p> I am a star, you are a star, we are all stars, shining our divine lights as only each of us can, together creating illuminated sky. </p><p>Each of us has our own gifts and abilities to express as only we can. Each of us has the opportunity to uniquely be living witness to the goodness, grace and unconditional love of God(dess) to all.</p><p>This is the truth for you, and me and every being on earth. All included.</p><p>Each of us is a light creating together our shared luminous life.</p><p>Light upon light creates more light than either can do alone, no light obscuring another, all adding to the amazing unlimited light available to all.</p><p>Please, pray with me as we all shine on.</p>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-87561785726241878542020-10-11T11:13:00.000-04:002020-10-11T11:13:26.529-04:00Church of the Creek<div style="text-align: left;"> I went to worship today at the church of the creek.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We've had a lot of rain so the messages shared were loud and clear.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A small child came and sat by me, quietly for a while.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They got up, collected a pile of rocks and made the offering to the creek.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They offered me some, and I did the same.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We sat quietly, smiling at each other for awhile.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They said, "We like this creek." waved and walked to rejoin their family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A refreshing service and deep sermon.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm grateful to be a member.</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-72425612344300440882020-04-11T20:38:00.000-04:002020-04-11T20:38:02.283-04:00Moment of enlightenment <div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="e1t3k" data-offset-key="67cap-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="67cap-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I got a bit disheartened today. People wanting to talk about how they could push the guidance to stay home and stay safe. Why not, if its not "illegal ".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why am I so happy and safe, when there is so much suffering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moment of enlightenment-code word moment- my ability to be happy, is not just for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is to be shared with anyone who can't find it for themselves right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Practicing love, compassion, kindness, joy and equanimity, when it is easy, is to make it so, when it is hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the busyness and outward layers are taken way, I see what is really important to me remains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love, compassion, kindness, joy, and being that, to and for myself and others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if there even is an other- there is no other- only us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Which brings me to the gratitude of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am still teachable!!!</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My spiritual director, when I whine about being unpartnered, says, </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"living alone is a gift". </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I say "I want to return it"
And now I know it was practice for these times. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Hugs do not exist in linear time. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Every hug I've ever shared is still here for me when I need it.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f5d7f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="104ba-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">How remarkable that i have everything I need and more, I am able to be myself, and do what I can- which is enough, no matter what is going on out there.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7v4nq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This is the privilege I bear and carry and share for the benefit of all beings.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7v4nq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I thought about Jesus losing it in the garden- Father, please take this cup from me.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7v4nq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">On the cross- why have you forsaken me.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7v4nq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Faith can falter- no judgment, and someone who's faith has not, will be there to carry me through.</span></div>
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That's the other thing my SD says.</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7v4nq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
"Look at the history"</div>
</div>
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<span data-offset-key="720oj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I got disheartened, angry, and I took a moment to go behind those emotions to the energy behind them, and had a good heart to heart with some trees. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="720oj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">All we really need, they reminded me, is love, and light, clean water and air, and love in our family.</span></div>
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There are lots of ancestors and descendants out there wanting to help and guide us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="720oj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
The world I see is me- pushed out! and I can dream the world I want into being.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="720oj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
My prayer:</div>
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Do good</div>
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Avoid evil</div>
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Embrace my own lunacy</div>
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Pray for help.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="720oj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
Please join me.</div>
</div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-84388753115967389712020-02-16T12:18:00.000-05:002020-02-16T12:18:54.728-05:00Permission/persistence. Resilience/Retreat. Love/FaithI take on a lot, and each night , I give thanks for the skills and faith given to me, I give thanks for all the merit of this day serving all beings.<br />
I say prayers for loving kindness, forgiveness, strength, intersession for all kinds of things.<br />
And I pray to let go of it all, as it is time for me to sleep, sleep well, as tomorrow is another day.<br />
I want to say, I did all I can do, now it's your's god.<br />
<br />
This is my Faith. Knowing, fully knowing and believing in the goodness, love, kindness and compassion that is unseen, unmeasurable, exalted, and abundant.<br />
I'm dependent on building resilience for this.<br />
<br />
Outward signs are not so good. Cultural norms are oppressive, abusive and worse.<br />
The practice is to remain fully present to what is, even as evil is cast around me, and address what is, with love, kindness and compassion - to myself and others- no matter what..<br />
<br />
I've been though a 5 year period of good times and bad, since my last extended silent retreat, and through grace, practice and prayer I have built up my resilient zone to take on almost anything- for myself and others- abuse, abandonment, neglect, violence of all kinds, and still function fully, sustainablely, and with love and compassion for all.<br />
The combination of resilience and faith has enabled me to do more than I ever thought possible, for myself and others.<br />
<br />
The past few months I have had to be honest with myself that this is no longer the case.<br />
My resilient zone is shrinking.<br />
I am tired, burnt out, angry.<br />
Time for retreat.<br />
<br />
My change platitude:<br />
Change can come about by falling in love, or chaos. I find falling in love preferable.<br />
And right now, love is not enough for me without faith.<br />
Faith can encompass love, hate, disbelief, darkness, evil, terror, isolation and lead you to a place where you can lead in love, and at least hold the space for that to happen.<br />
<br />
Time for retreat.<br />
Time to hang out- just me and god, until I feel ready to go back into the world with the same ease that I feel when I am in prayer and meditation.<br />
<br />
Persistence with shrinking resilience will lead to<i> resistance</i> which will lead to suffering.<br />
I give myself permission to persist into retreat, to relax, renew, be open to the possibility of renaming my relationship in oneness with all beings, myself and the earth.<br />
<br />
My five years of advocacy and accompaniment of women and children experiencing violence, abuse, abandonment and neglect, I see the toll this takes on the soul, self worth and esteem.<br />
Abuse can progress to where those experiencing abuse need permission to exist.<br />
People can need the welcome that can enlarge their world beyond the visible outer circumstances.<br />
They need the welcome that can widen the walls around their suffering and lead them to paths of safety and wholeness.<br />
They need physically and spiritually to be saved from suffocation.<br />
I have been and want to continue to be a part of this welcome, and right now I cannot.<br />
<br />
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel to be able to arrange this for myself before I am harmed or harm someone else, from my own, fear, attachments and aversion.<br />
<br />
Time for retreat.<br />
I will take these vows;<br />
I will observe noble silence.<br />
I will do nothing that clouds the mind.<br />
I will take only what is freely given.<br />
<br />
My intention for the retreat is to be fully present.<br />
<br />
I'm smiling as I type as my spiritual director reminds me<br />
"Once you have planning the retreat, the retreat has begun."<br />
I have a week or so of tidying up affairs, letting folks know I will not be responding to emails, texts phone, etc, and a brief time of relaxation just for fun.<br />
<br />
Please hold me in the Light.<br />
<br />
Comments and Questions Welcomed<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-2251330005875777602019-09-15T14:04:00.001-04:002019-09-16T22:53:29.653-04:00Spirit, resilience, remembering and refugeSpent a long day practicing resilience within a faith community I belong to.<br />
I felt and noticed emotions all over the map.<br />
For ecological sensitivity I put myself in a car with 3 others I thought I didn't want to be with, with wise council from my spiritual friend who advised- just take a nap.<br />
<br />
The Mountains were too lovely for that-and what happened was they sent me right back to school.<br />
I don't or won't remember much, as I was so unhappy in school-a caged bird.<br />
Most vividly I remember sitting as still as I could- not as still as they wanted me to, and staring alternately out the window and at the hands of the clock ticking the minutes away.<br />
My day dreams were so deep, when they called me I not only didn't know what the answer to the question was, I wasn't even sure where I was.<br />
For these few house, I was taught by the trees. The lessons of the forest.<br />
<br />
I did not feel called to be with the small group normalizing abusive behaviors and bullshit in the name of various isms.<br />
I am grateful to have been of service to The Spirit and the small group doing spirit led work, affirming how the spirit twas working among us, with us, using our skills to create movement in all directions for our community.<br />
This time was easy, joyful and fruitful. The agenda was long and it went quickly. We held each other and were held.<br />
<br />
Being called into the other room, after about 30 words, I went to find refuge in what I knew to be true.<br />
The Holy spirit, the Great Mother, that which is whole and Holy one.<br />
My spiritual friend had sent me a text I looked at frequently.<br />
"Stay close to the Holy spirit as if your life depended on it🔥"<br />
<br />
People were demanding, people were talking a lot, people were saying they were experts and professionals.<br />
<br />
Again I found my self back in school. I can't remember their names, and I was seeing some faces-faces with looks of disappointment in me, that I didn't or wouldn't do the work they wanted me to do, and also encouragement that I was capable of it, and even beyond.<br />
Even tho I didn't do what they were required to demand of me, some of those teachers didn't give up on me. Never gave me a failing grade.<br />
<br />
I went to this gathering thinking(code word) it would help me make a decision if I should leave it or stay. It has appeared that is not the question.<br />
<br />
I bless my intellect and give thanks for all the insights it provides and I am fine with the limits of intellectual understanding.<br />
<br />
All that is good, all that is fair, all that is equitable comes form spiritual discernment.<br />
Part of prayer is letting God be God in me.<br />
Awaiting<br />
Allowing<br />
Attending the wisdom that comes and trusting and accepting that wisdom.<br />
<br />
I'm not entering the suffering's Olympics!<br />
<br />
I'm gonna keep on hanging out with the spirit, practicing and enlarging my resilient zone, remembering and making peace with that, knowing refuge is there whenever I need it<br />
and doing what I am called to do when I am called to do.<br />
<br />
I am going to be a true radical- from the roots- and in full knowledge of what is, I am going to be happy.<br />
<br />
Who is going with me? I'll keep curious and open about that.<br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-10001781844985250222018-11-05T19:50:00.001-05:002018-11-05T19:50:57.885-05:00Voting, Outcomes and RestTo all my friends working so hard:<br />
<br />
Yes, voting is important tomorrow. Community must be visible to itself and responsible to itself.<br />
You did your best , all you could do, working for the outcome you desire.<br />
<br />
And, Tomorrow is another working day.<br />
We vote everyday with our being and our voices.<br />
We can do no other as we see what is, and know what we want to be.<br />
That we are bound together with the desire to see the world become a place in which our children can run free and strong.<br />
<br />
We all want to be Happy, Peaceful, Safe, Well and Free.<br />
We crave equanimity and fun.<br />
<br />
Attachment to outcomes leads to suffering.<br />
What ever happens, take a rest, and be ready.<br />
<br />
No one event changes everything.<br />
Nothing is ever quite finished, and there is always the next thing.<br />
<br />
My prayer is the work of our head, hands, and heart leads us, to be the people, who create the community we want to live in, for ourselves, all beings and our universe.<br />
<br />
I thank you all.<br />
No matter the outcome.<br />
Tomorrow and the day after, we still need to be strong, to speak out and up, to accompany, to support, to educate, to advocate, to learn, to play,<br />
<br />
and Rest.<br />
We need to rest.<br />
and Laugh Out Loud.<br />
<br />
Be ready.<br />
<br />
You have done enough for today.<br />
<br />
Let go, rest and greet tomorrow's outcomes with curiosity and joy, that we have another day to create and play with each other.<br />
And go out and love some more!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"The real radical is a person who has a vision and is willing to do those things that will bring reality closer to that vision" Bayard Rustin</i></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed unless it is faced"</i></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> James Baldwin</i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-74989747542818698472018-08-19T12:13:00.000-04:002018-08-19T12:18:27.750-04:00Forgiveness/Conflict Resolution- RKJ version<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Matthew 18:15-17</span> <span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">King James Version (KJV)</span></span><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-18-15" id="en-KJV-23743" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-18-16" id="en-KJV-23744" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-18-17" id="en-KJV-23745" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.</span></span></div>
</h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Matthew 18:15-17</span> <span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Revised Standard Version (RSV)</span></span><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. </span><span class="text Matt-18-16" id="en-RSV-23740" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. </span><span class="text Matt-18-17" id="en-RSV-23741" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">RKJ version</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If we have a problem between us- let us listen to each other and open our hearts to each other that we may be friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If we cannot hear each other- lets us ask friends who can help us to do so, that we may know we are among friends and are not alone in our concerns for one another.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If we as a community cannot hear each other- let us seek help of the elders to guide us into unity.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">May no one, in any circumstance feel alone, or be cast out without a friend.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I was taught forgiveness, it is not just a moral guideline, it is a practically of life. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I weigh myself down when I insist on holding on to anger, judgement and blame.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I choose to forgive, I can walk lighter and more cheerfully and kindly in the world.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There may be little I can do about other's choices and I still have the opportunity every minute to feel lighter and more loving as I forgive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are times, when inspite of my doing my best to listen, and forgive, I do have to cast a person out of my life, in the present moment. I can still pray that that will change. I can still forgive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I hold no enmity in my heart, I can have no enemies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May all beings be happy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May all beings be peaceful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May all beings be safe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May all beings be well in body mind an spirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May all beings be free.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</h1>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-34114113544320533682018-08-07T21:00:00.003-04:002020-02-17T14:02:10.744-05:00Community and Growth/Power and Outcome<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">I admin a FB community group, Black Mountain Exchange.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">We are practicing digital community in a counter cultural way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">All members agree to kindness and respect in all words typed in the group.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">No random links to outside sources to prove your point. No GIFs. No sarcasm. No bullying. No </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">name calling. No demonizing others because you are right and they are wrong.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am learning that some assumptions I have held most of my life are <span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">inaccurate.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am learning there are people who have never experienced kindness- giving and/or recieving.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are people who honestly believe you get power by taking power away from others.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are people who given choices will chose to harm themselves and others.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So this is a practice and I cannot do it alone. I need you- you who hate me, who fear me, who wish to do me harm, to practice with me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In our group, I am inviting us to listen and learn from each other, not type at each other.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is a practice.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">I recently wrote </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">the following:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Thinking about events of the past view days...</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;" /><span style="color: #666666;">I think our power comes in being together, not in changing the outcome.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;" /><span style="color: #666666;">The Board may appoint another member that</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #666666; display: inline;"> won't represent me.<br />A company willing to lie and disregard local ordinances may continue to work in my Town and endanger my safety.<br />There may continue, in fact there will continue to be men in this Town, who in my weak moments I fear, and in my strong moments I fear and am not afraid.<br />And, when folks are engaging with me on these issues, agree or not; When folks are calling me and messaging me and thinking about things I am thinking about ;<br />And when folks show up at Meetings,just showing up so i have someone to shake my head with.<br />This gives me a feeling of power. A feeling of shift. A feeling of integrity, that Truth and justice will out.<br />If everyone who comments here came to Meetings- not just when they had a gripe, came to Meetings to witness what is happening and to stand together as a community; If our meetings were Town meetings, not just Board Meetings- the possibilities could be endless.<br />We can listen and learn from each other. I see it everyday.<br />I have a vision of a world where we don't need guards and walls.<br />I have a vision of a world where all children run free and strong and well fed and healthy.<br />I don't live in this world alone.<br />It takes a village and a vision. I need you. You need me.<br />We're all a part of one body of humanity.<br />I invite you to think about spending less time attempting to create the outcome and more time creating community.<br />Thank you all for being a part of Black Mountain, and this group.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #666666; display: inline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #666666; display: inline;">I extend that thanks to all of my digital community, joining me here in Still Waters, where the </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">merit of our time here is for the highest good of all beings.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">That all beings may be happy.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">That all beings may be peaceful</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">That all beings may be well, in body mind and Spirit.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">That all beings may be safe.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">That all beings may be free.</span></span>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-23833342654843014932018-06-03T11:11:00.018-04:002024-03-03T16:51:15.280-05:00Forgiveness<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forgiveness opens my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forgiveness is a powerful expression of love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I hold no resentment in my heart, no enmity, I can have no enemies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forgiveness does not condone or forget harmful behaviors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forgiveness can free me from negative feelings and from living my life in a state of blame.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am the one set free by forgiveness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forgiveness frees me from the need to justify my rationale for holding another liable for my pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I practice forgiveness meditation daily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>There are many ways that I have hurt and harmed others</b>,</span><br />
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have betrayed or abandoned them, </span><br />
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">caused them suffering, knowingly or unknowingly, </span><br />
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">out of my own pain, fear, anger and confusion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I ask any who I have harmed to come to me, in the present moment and ask to be forgiven.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can remember and visualize the ways I have hurt others.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">See and feel the pain I have caused out of my own fear and confusion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel my own sorrow and regret. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ask for forgiveness.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then to each person in my mind: </span><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I ask for your forgiveness, Please forgive me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 1pt; padding: 0in;"><b>There are many ways that I have hurt and harmed myself.</b></span><span style="font-family: , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: 1pt; padding: 0in;"> I have betrayed or abandoned myself many times through thought, word, or deed, knowingly or unknowingly.</span><span style="font-family: , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: serif , serif;">I feel the sorrow I carry from this and to the best of my ability, in the present moment I let that go.</span><span style="font-family: , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the ways I have hurt myself through action or inaction, out of fear, pain and confusion, I ask to be forgiven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: serif , serif;">I forgive myself.</span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: "cambria";"> </span>There are many ways that I have been harmed by others</b>, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">abused or abandoned, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can picture and remember these hurts, f</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">eel the sorrow I have carried from this past. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can call, all who have harmed me, real or imagined, known or unknown to me now, and extend forgiveness to the best of my ability, to the extent that I am able, in the present moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I have carried this pain in my heart too long. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">To the extent that I am able, I offer forgiveness. </span><br />
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To those who have caused me harm, I offer my forgiveness, I forgive you.</span></div><div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Even if I never want to see you again. To the best of my ability.</span></span></div><div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I forgive you.</span></span></div><div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It's a practice.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Please join me.</span><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Comments, questions and prayer requests welcome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-15408257740165204352017-12-31T15:18:00.000-05:002017-12-31T15:18:24.783-05:00Brave Girl Cards-Bravery for 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix82NxC-pnT4-f45omMCQsWnsNeLF2RXk7zrGpxawG5e1wWauDBWmkCPAqXB_mTQ9u2hgk_pVnEmcwAjrpIybngbZqro-hSJRoIhKkxQLRDyHPZ7STZUHD912xbJRxIkQsMpuIXc-kWgX6/s1600/Brave+Girl+Cards+new+years+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1020" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix82NxC-pnT4-f45omMCQsWnsNeLF2RXk7zrGpxawG5e1wWauDBWmkCPAqXB_mTQ9u2hgk_pVnEmcwAjrpIybngbZqro-hSJRoIhKkxQLRDyHPZ7STZUHD912xbJRxIkQsMpuIXc-kWgX6/s640/Brave+Girl+Cards+new+years+2017.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="217lm" data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A practice-</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of the day I create</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> Brave Girl Cards</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> from what is left on my desk. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Almost everyday I give one to someone I don't know. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">That takes bravery on my part.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> To offer something of myself, </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c24ni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">and I pray it reminds them to be brave when they need it most.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I fall in love with each card. That is part of the process and practice. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">To love and let go.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Let me know if you need one.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings and bravery to you in 2018</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2e7e0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-76387537317755900202017-11-22T17:21:00.000-05:002017-11-22T17:21:22.327-05:00Thankful-2017-MentorsThroughout my life amazing mentors have appeared when needed to guide my development and ground my spiritual being.<br />
Their wisdom and knowledge came from their own experiences and they willing shared that experience with me.<br />
<br />
Now it is my call and my privilege to do the same. I can be available, freely to others and accept the role of mentor.<br />
<br />
Caring and nurturing others is a sacred responsibility. I must practice and witness to kindness, compassion, patience.<br />
<br />
Sharing what I know, from direct experience enables and encourages others to stretch their wings, take risks, and walk in faith.<br />
<br />
Individual growth and change is easier in companionship, in community.<br />
I am thankful for humility and being teachable. I am thankful for valuing relationship over being right. I am thankful to have two hands and a heart to reach out to other hands and hearts.<br />
<br />
I am filled with gratitude and joy for the opportunity to be of service.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-91344618273700404262017-11-21T13:46:00.000-05:002017-11-21T13:46:21.784-05:00The extinction of experience.Why do we have to speak out about inappropriate behavior; sexual, violent, bullying abusive behavior?<br />
If we don't, I fear our collective memory is at risk.<br />
We cannot remember what we have never known.<br />
Just as forest organisms have specific needs to grow, that are lost when we manage and clear cut our forests, human organisms have specific needs, and when they are not met, we may vanish as well.<br />
<br />
We are facing, the extinction of experience(Robert Michael Pyle).<br />
If you have never known Peace, Equanimity, Safety, Wellness, Happiness, will you miss them?<br />
Will they become extinct?<br />
<br />
I learn from the collective unconscious that holds these Truths.<br />
You can too.<br />
<br />
Please take time to pray, meditate, be silent and still.<br />
Please make visible, Peace, Equanimity, Safety, Wellness and happiness in your daily life.<br />
Practice them and share them with others.<br />
Please reach out and create relationship and community.<br />
Please release what isolates you and nourish what connects you.<br />
Please talk a walk in the forest and thank the trees. Protect the trees.<br />
<br />
Please join me in practice.<br />
<br />
Thank you.<br />
<br />
<br />
Comments and Questions warmly welcomed.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-56924126650359119082017-01-27T16:30:00.000-05:002017-01-27T16:30:55.427-05:00The Value of ZeroMy mothers taught me, begin every list with zero.<br />
<br />
We were a tribe of list makers, doers, busy handed;<br />
and yet the teaching was always begin by waiting.<br />
<br />
Waiting for : stillness, direction, clearness, opportunity, someone else to do it!, the music, mystery, magic.<br />
<br />
The buddha teaches:<br />
Suffering = Pain x Resistance..... zero resistance, zero suffering.<br />
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is not.<br />
<br />
There is a lot of talk of resistance right now.<br />
Lots of lists.<br />
I am a list maker: bullets, numbered, flow charts, pictograms, and each begins with<br />
Do nothing.<br />
<br />
There will always be time to do something. Treasure the time and privilege to do nothing.<br />
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Comments Questions and Prayer requests always welcomed.<br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-80686095093670308292016-12-04T21:44:00.001-05:002016-12-04T21:44:37.300-05:00Community, protection,vision, change.<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: 'San Francisco', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Since the election, storms of uncertainty and fear have arisen. It is time to collectively stand up, calm and clear. With peacefulness and mutual respect, our communities can become centers of protection and vision.</div>
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Protection can take many forms. Protection can be providing sanctuary for those in danger. Protection can be skillfully confronting those whose actions would harm the vulnerable among us. Protection can be standing up for the environment. Protection can be becomin<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">g an active ally for those targeted by hate and prejudice.</span></div>
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Vision means carrying the light. It means standing up for the truth—no matter what:</div>
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“Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.”<br />“Greed, Hate and Ignorance create suffering. Generosity, Love and Wisdom bring happiness.”<br />“Mind is the forerunner. Speak and act with a pure mind and happiness will follow.”<br />“Plant seeds of goodness, and well-being will grow.”</div>
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Now a time of change has come.</div>
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We must listen deeply, bear witness, honor everyone, and choose our actions wisely and courageously.</div>
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Do not worry if the Right Action is not yet clear to you.</div>
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Wait in the unknowing with mindfulness and a clear heart.</div>
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Soon the right time will come and you will know to stand up.</div>
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I will meet you there.</div>
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Paraphrased with Jack Kornfield</div>
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Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-15428813861146928782016-08-25T18:46:00.003-04:002016-08-25T18:51:10.881-04:00GiftsIt's that time of year in my life when folks ask me what I would like them, to give me as a gift.<br />
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I love gifts- giving and receiving. I love thinking about the person I want to gift, generally I want to make them something, something I like, something I enjoyed making, love in every thought and stitch.<br />
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I love sending color and beauty outing the world through a gift.<br />
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I love receiving a gift, feeling the love poured into it. Overtime as I see the gift, I feel that love again, and can feel the gifter in my heart.<br />
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This year, if you really want to know, what I want...<br />
I want you to do something kind, and then tell me about it.<br />
<br />
Call me, send me a note, create an image reflecting the kindness, a FB message- instead of writing happy birthday on my page- tell me what you did that was kind.<br />
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If you are unable to "do" something kind, think about it.<br />
Think, about kindness<br />
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That will be enough.<br />
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<b>Prayer for loving kindness</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffeff; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May I be happy</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffeff; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May I be peaceful</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffeff;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;">May I be safe and protected from all harm</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffeff;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;">May I be well in body mind and spirit</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffeff;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;">May I be free</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fffeff; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;">This is what can be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied,
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful,
Not proud or demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
Wishing: In gladness and in safety,
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be;
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to-be-born —
May all beings be at ease!
Let none deceive another,
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings;
Radiating kindness over the entire world:
Spreading upwards to the skies,
And downwards to the depths;
Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down
Free from drowsiness,
One should sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding.
By not holding to fixed views,
The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision,
Being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffeff; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Comments and questions and prayer requests warmly welcomed.</span></span></div>
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-39611243043185873232014-11-02T18:48:00.000-05:002014-11-02T18:48:26.317-05:00We are one. Can we believe it?Some communites we are born into.<br />
We know community as we bring our Creators covenant of life with us as we move into this world, taking our first breath.<br />
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Others we adopt along the way.<br />
Whether our community is based on culture, geography, family or spirituality, when we share a common purpose, we can join in unity.<br />
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We can create covenant community.<br />
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With our home community as our base, we can recognize that the universe is our community.<br />
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Here, on Mother Earth, we are one.<br />
We have the option to believe it.<br />
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When we choose to embrace our similarities and our differences , we can let go of scarcity and competition.<br />
We can love and support each other.<br />
Through the strength of our unity in community we can extend love and support world wide.<br />
It is through giving that we receive.<br />
It is through loving that we are loved.<br />
It is through forgiving that we are forgiven.<br />
There is enough.<br />
There is enough.<br />
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Are you ready to believe it?<br />
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I invite you to join in community with me, wherever you are.<br />
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Prayer requests (also on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/633799453403391/">Facebook</a>), comments and questions welcomed.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-52031598394254086732014-05-11T09:21:00.001-04:002014-05-11T09:21:58.667-04:00Need-A few Queries Occasioned<table align="center" border="0" style="width: 85%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What do we need?</span></div>
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Where is God in that need?</div>
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When one need seems to be in opposition to another's need, I pray to be open to be a part of the meeting place, the covenant of relationship, that transforms opposition into resolution and clearness of right action.</div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #993366;"><b>God Bless the Grass</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #993366;">Notes:</span></b> words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1964 Schroder Music Company, renewed 1992. People often think of this as an ecology song, but Malvina wrote it after reading Mark Lane’s comments about the John F. Kennedy assassination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />God bless the grass that grows thru the crack.<br />They roll the concrete over it to try and keep it back.<br />The concrete gets tired of what it has to do,<br />It breaks and it buckles and the grass grows thru,<br />And God bless the grass.<br />
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God bless the truth that fights toward the sun,<br />They roll the lies over it and think that it is done.<br />It moves through the ground and reaches for the air,<br />And after a while it is growing everywhere,<br />And God bless the grass.<br />
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God bless the grass that grows through cement.<br />It's green and it's tender and it's easily bent.<br />But after a while it lifts up its head,<br />For the grass is living and the stone is dead,<br />And God bless the grass.<br />
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God bless the grass that's gentle and low,<br />Its roots they are deep and its will is to grow.<br />And God bless the truth, the friend of the poor,<br />And the wild grass growing at the poor man's door,<br />And God bless the grass.<br />
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<span font=""><span style="background-color: silver;"></span></span></span></td></tr>
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Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-902478973218848222014-01-21T18:14:00.000-05:002014-01-21T18:14:30.476-05:00Waiting.... QuvahWe all want to be liked. To be chosen.<br />
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The voices in my head who love me so much and want me to be safe, tell me-"you can't do that, don't risk it, if you put yourself out there you will be hurt."<br />
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I'm listening to these voices, who have chosen me, and learning to tell them back, "thanks, that's one way of looking at life, now you go take a walk."<br />
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I've put myself out there. I have taken the risk.<br />
I have listened to other voices who love me, I have done the work, done the writing, done the editing, listened, learned, prayed, discerned, prayed.<br />
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And, thank you very much, I am loved and chosen.<br />
I'm pre-approved!<br />
Our Father, the Great Mother, the Holy Spirit all chose me to be their beloved child, just like Jesus, no more, no less, just loved.<br />
And, thank you very much, they know my hearts desire and want me to have it.<br />
Surrender, obedience and faithfulness deliver it into my inbox.<br />
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And there are the times of waiting.<br />
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I've asked to be chosen and I've done the work and now I have to wait to see the outcome.<br />
I can:<br />
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<ul>
<li>worry</li>
<li>try to influence the outcome</li>
<li>stress about the outcome</li>
<li>berate myself for not doing enough to influence the outcome</li>
<li>etc, etc, etc, ad nauseum.</li>
</ul>
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Or I can wait.<br />
I learned just today, the hebrew word for wait, quvah can also mean "bind".<br />
So we can do all of the above, or choose to bind ourselves into a time of waiting. Ply ourselves into a time of oneness with the other waiting threads.<br />
Plying takes single, unstable strands and binds them into strong useful rope we can depend on to hold us together.<br />
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Thanks to all waiting with me, friends on earth and friends above.<br />
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Prayer requests comments and questions always welcomed.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-18754719094979752602014-01-18T12:46:00.003-05:002014-01-21T18:15:40.216-05:00Humility and loneliness Be kind and tell the truth.<br />
Simple words to live by and so many different paths to choose from, it's not simple at all.<br />
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I've been <strike>trying to write </strike>writing a 3-6 page paper on a call I feel strongly in my heart. I've been living the call on my own, and a positive outcome of the writing <strike>could </strike>will lead to communal and outward sharing of the call- all good!<br />
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Still I'm wracked with self doubt and fear of expressing my gifts- yes dear blog friends who I feel so comfortable with- I have many gifts- and my hearts desire is to share them with as many folks as possible, now, while I am still strong and healthy enough to do so with energy and joy.<br />
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( my mind speaking)Who was going to be reading this? Unknown people on a selection committee- they were going to judge me! and they might not pick me. How do I write what they want to hear when I don't even know who they are? If I don't tell anyone, then I won't feel as bad if I don't get selected, or even called to interview.)<br />
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My writing was stiff and unfolding, till I got the courage up to call my support folks and tell them what was going on.<br />
Suddenly I was no longer alone.<br />
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With the help of my friends I was able to ask my well meaning and overly protective judgmental mind to take a walk.<br />
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I'm writing to God, Goddess, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and They are all rejoicing in my willingness and faithfulness to spend the time, with them ,working through me, to clarify and express my call.<br />
Everyone I am writing to loves me and wants for me what is my hearts desire and<br />
*******Wonder of Wonders******<br />
They gave me the gifts in the first place and rejoice in my using them!<br />
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Bill Tabor urged us at Pendle Hill to ring the bell anytime we felt filled with the Spirit.<br />
I don't think anyone ever did.<br />
Bill began every listening session I had with him by asking,<br />
"Robyn, has thee been faithful?"<br />
<br />
Here on my mountain top I am ringing the bell.<br />
I pray you can hear it.<br />
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Yes Bill, I am being faithful.<br />
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I have prayed, listened , discerned, done the writing, and as soon as my support folks finish editing my words, I am hitting the send button, and as my Grandmother used to say, "kissing it up to God".<br />
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Hold me in the Light. I have a lot of work to do.<br />
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Prayer requests, comments and questions welcomed.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-27712474485730124782012-10-04T21:03:00.000-04:002012-10-04T21:03:01.545-04:00Peace and Providence Revisited-Wherein Robyn does not Sell OutI had the opportunity last week, to say a few words and possibly insure financial security, beyond anything I had ever dreamed of.<br />
<br />
A few words that might not be true.<br />
We all lie. I have lied, because I thought I had to:<br />
to protect myself<br />
keep myself safe<br />
to make someone like me<br />
to get something I thought I needed.<br />
Because, at the time I thought it was the right thing to do.<br />
<br />
My rational, thinking mind, told me to do it.<br />
"You are a good actress," it said.<br />
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I believe we are born knowing Truth; everything we need, to be:<br />
Happy, Peaceful,Safe, Well and Free.<br />
We are born powerful , all knowing individuals, one with the universe and God(dess).<br />
Then we are taught to forget, by others, already forgetters of this Knowing, as they fear our power.<br />
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No one can ignore a newborn cry.<br />
The first response is to comfort. The second to Silence.<br />
Hush, hush, don't cry. don't call out your needs.<br />
As we forget we become:<br />
Sad, Angry,Anxious, Diseased, Enslaved.<br />
So we start filling our minds, with what others tell us is truth, thoughts and things that we are told will make us happy.<br />
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I am in relationship with many who know everything.<br />
They can never rest, as they are the only ones who can do what needs to be done properly.<br />
They can have no true friends as no one can think on their level, no one can be trusted.<br />
Saddest of all, they can't enjoy the refuge of the Spirit-the letting go of all and letting in all the Love the Universe has to offer- just because you are you.<br />
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Notice in all of the above I haven't mentioned the Heart.<br />
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"Beloved," says the Heart, "be still and remember.<br />
You are love and you are loved for who you are.<br />
Do what you can.<br />
Want what you have.<br />
Be who you are."<br />
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I thank God(dess) for my faith that makes what I believe happen.<br />
I give thanks for years of meditation practice with Honored Teachers that shows me the workings of the mind and the heart.<br />
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I give thanks for refuge in:<br />
God(dess)<br />
The knowledge of the Prophet Stream<br />
The community of others seeking to develop the Heart.<br />
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I pray for all I do, to witness to the unconditional Love of the Universe for all.<br />
I pray that all I do, that all I have, is for the benefit of all beings.<br />
I have faith, that what I do, what I have, and who I am, is enough.<br />
<br />
My heart says yes.<br />
Yes to Love and Life and Light and more Love.<br />
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I am so glad, dear readers that you are in my heart.<br />
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Comments, questions and prayer requests always welcome.<br />
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<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6903411789057275376.post-62082314910988753342012-08-31T09:17:00.000-04:002012-08-31T09:17:44.958-04:00I Love My LifeAs threads intertwine on the spindle, loom and needles so the colorful days of my life weave together to create the beautiful cloth of being.<br />
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Some threads are more colorful, some weak and break. I learn and grow from challenge, cry and crack open from sorrow and loss, am encouraged by success and humbled by mistakes.<br />
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Everything contributes to the tapestry equally.<br />
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The blessings of family and friends have carried and supported me through it all, with Divine assistance.<br />
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If I had to describe my life in only one word it would be Love.<br />
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Take time today to celebrate all life.<br />
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comments and prayer requests always welcome.<br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01805399324157676417noreply@blogger.com0