Lines Written in the Days of Growing Darkness by Mary Oliver Every year we have been witness to it; how the world descends into a rich mash, in order that it may resume. And therefore who would cry out to the petals on the ground to stay, knowing as we must, how the vivacity of what was is married to the vitality of what will be? I don't say it's easy, but what else will do if the love one claims to have for the world be true? So let us go on, cheerfully enough, this and every crisping day, though the sun be swinging east, and the ponds be cold and black, and the sweets of the year be doomed.
Today is the beginning of Advent, and I post while I light the first candle of my advent wreath. To begin advent, I attended yet another exquisite service at church. Our Advent theme is "Holy Darkness, Holy Night," and we were invited to "open windows and doors that allow us to fly." The pastor said that advent was more than merely Jesus' birth; it was a time to "ponder and rest in what is being born inside of us and the world, ...a time of now and not yet." Today was a day about being part and learning from the darkness. Colorful stars adorned the art gallery, and I appreciated my surroundings as well as the words spoken. After the service, I attended a poetry class where we discussed Rainer Maria Rilke (need to read more), Emily Dickinson (appreciate her poetry more as I age), Adrienne Rich (?), and Mary Oliver (love). In fact, the instructor didn't type the Mary Oliver poem correctly, and I was able to pull it up from her new book on my phone (thanks Kindle).
BTW- We watched the attached video during the service. Take time to listen and watch and think.
Today I went back to the interweb to find out what I could post about that would relate to sankalpa . "...Sankalpa has the potential to release tremendous power by clearly defining and focusing on a chosen goal." My chosen goal since May has truly been on being physically active. Since it's cold and miserable out, I've been being active inside instead of outside. December 6th (or something like that) was the last time I ventured outside for physical activity. I, however, have still been going to they gym and focusing on being physically fit (or at least burning enough calories to eat more food). Yesterday I received an early morning text from a friend in God's Country . President Obama was talking about "The President's Challenge" . Today (I tried yesterday and decided to put it off until today... forget out it... let it happen... put it aside... clear my mind of it... all probably sankalpa) I formed a group. The...
Molly was excited to get a package from her friend who lives in Alaska. When she opened the box, she was confused. Although the shirt was actually soft and of good quality, she was upset by the guns in the flag. When she googled Holster's, it was exactly what she thought... pro-gun. She didn't know how to handle the situation, so she sent a picture stating she was confused. Her friend had obviously lost her mind. During the conversation, she kept proclaiming that she hadn't sent a t-shirt. When Molly explained it was her writing on the box, things became weird. The friend was in a state of denial. Molly even sent a text with a picture of the writing on the box. Molly's friend was adamant that she sent homemade condiments. She wouldn't give up on her story even though it was clear Molly is in possession of an NRA type t-shirt. After much deliberation, the two friends realized what had happened. The original box, wit...
Two Sundays ago I missed church because I was out of town. Last Sunday I missed church because I could not get to church due to the marathon (blocking my path... not my running). Dad and I tried to leave early, but we did not leave early enough. I joked with Dad about the fact that they would miss me at church. When I checked my e-mail this evening, I actually had an e-mail from my pastor saying I was missed. It was a short e-mail, but it was sweet and definitely a positive part of my day.
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Doors opening. Gonna have that be my theme of my day.