Challenges ahead

As the last bright colors of fall begin to fade, 

And winter’s chill belatedly creeps in, 

Our thoughts turn to the holidays ahead; 

Anticipating gatherings of family and friends, 

The days ahead are filled with plans — 

For food, for gifts, for traveling — 

But also with anxieties, with loneliness and loss. 

Conflicting expectations can easily drain energy: 

Be kind to yourself and others 

In the challenging months ahead.

Joy in Boundaries

Someone once asked why I added these stripes 

To the corners of this painting.

 I could have just said I liked their look, 

But instead I got philosophical: 

“I’ve learned,” I said, 

“That I’m much more comfortable 

 Working within clear boundaries; 

That there’s a lot more freedom 

When my edges are defined — 

I don’t waste so much time 

Trying to figure out where they are.”

With each breath, an opportunity

As we make each day’s journey into night, 

Our thoughts are always colored 

By the place in which we stand;

 By the urgencies of the moment, 

Where we’ve been, and where we’re headed.

 But with each breath 

We have an opportunity 

 To step back or to step in; 

 To see the larger picture 

Or to deepen our understanding 

 Of what is and who we are.

This arc of light

This lemon sliced moon, seen reflected here,

 Seems to have multiplied itself 

As it slowly slides down the arc of night

 And into the reddening sea. 

So, too, we glide through the arc of life, 

What light we bring into lives around us 

Reflecting, then fading as the new day dawns.

Bend with the wind

This tree still stands on her windy cliff 

Because she’s learned to bend 

And her roots go deep. 

We, too, will survive these trials 

If we stay rooted in community 

And gracefully adjust 

 To our changing circumstances: 

All shall be well, and all shall be well 

If we follow her example.

A gradual unfolding

Think of life and relationships 

 As a gradual unfolding, 

Slowly opening our hearts 

Til we reveal that inner core 

That both withstands and welcomes…

Blest be the ties that bind

We who are humans, 

Broken and scarred, 

Are bound together 

By fate and our faith. 

May the ancient and timeless 

Words of love 

Bind us together 

Both now and for always.