Love as a cat

My cat died yesterday.  Maggie was a sweet little animal who had been a part of our family for 14 years. I’m feeling sad today that she’s not here to jump up in my lap and purr while I pet her — one of our favorite things to do together.  

And of course, you know I’m thinking about her death and death in general and what it all means when someone dies. When I die.  And how that compares to living here on Earth, etc, etc, etc.  I do a lot of deep thinking on a regular basis and this gives me much to contemplate.

But what I really want to share about Maggie is how much love she offered for such a small creature. More often than not she was eager to join me in our favorite rocking chair.  She would greet visitors who stopped by the house and enjoyed making the rounds to meet everyone when we had a party.  She was curious and loving and friendly.  She was the friendliest cat I’ve had so far.

Her death process took some time, almost two weeks, as she lost weight and mobility. The other night I lay on the couch with her on my chest and stroked her boney body from head to tail.  She was not able to do much at that point, but she did respond with a weak consistent purr. 

I guess what I’m aware of most of all right now is how much love God has for me, for all of us. This is a Universe of Love.  We’re surrounded by Love.  Love which expresses Itself as a bright sunny day, as a warm and comfortable home, as lots of friends and family sharing compassion and sympathy. 

Love which expresses Itself in my life in so many beautiful ways — and, for awhile, as a sweet little cat.

Women together

Something special happens when a group of women get together. In the old days a women's group took on the form of a quilting bee or the ladies' auxiliary.  Today it often manifests as a women's circle or a book club.  In any form, there's a magical energy that emerges when women come together to really listen to and care about what each other is saying and experiencing.  Whether it's around a campfire or at a potluck dinner, a gathering of women is something special to behold.

When I facilitate a women's circle, I have the privilege and honor of watching wonderful women gently open up to each other and share their deeper selves. Then the real magic begins. The nodding of heads in understanding. The soft smiles and moist eyes of empathy or sympathy. Then tears again, this time fully flowing in uncontrollable laughter. And finally, when it's time to leave, the sharing of hugs and emails to stay in touch -- a continuation of the fun and support -- all part of the time-honored sisterhood of the 'something special' that happens when women get together.

Women coming together for a good cause

Did you lose your power this week?

We had our electricity all week.

For whatever reason, wherever I live, I don't lose electrical power. In Cranston, we never lost power. Here at Canonicus, we seldom lose power.  I'm grateful.

But lots of people I know were without some of the basics this week: refrigeration, electric lighting, easy access to potable water.

It's funny how much we take for granted, until it's gone. And how deeply appreciative we feel when these amenities are restored.  But how long does that feeling of appreciation and gratitude last?  How soon are we back to taking the conveniences of life for granted?

This mindset of appreciation feels so good. It allows us to be in tune with our hearts and our souls.  So why are we so quick to let it go? 

Michael Bernard Beckwith advises:

As you go through your day, see the Giver behind all the gifts being given to you.

Imagine what your day would be like if you were floating gratefully along on a river of appreciation.  Noting every good gift, seeing each small favor with heart-felt joy and delight. Acknowledging the Giver and the many indications and demonstrations that you are cared for and loved.

Now that there's hot water for a shower and the fridge is restocked, don't just go back to life as normal.  While it's still fresh and alive in your heart and mind, continue paying attention to the little things, and feel grateful for them. Take advantage of this opportunity to cultivate a deeper, on-going appreciation of all that you have in life.  

That's where your power really lies.

The enlightened give thanks for what most people take for granted. - Michael Bernard Beckwith

Intro to Nonviolent Communication

Learning skills and raising awareness can lead to compassionate listening and responding 

-- even when what we're hearing sounds uncomfortable and conflictual. 

We all have a choice in how we respond, 

and can learn how to step back and respond from the heart.

Register today.

Open-hearted Women

For the past six months, I've had the honor and the privilege of facilitating a group of women who are committed to bringing peace to the world.  I work with them every other week exploring and implementing compassionate communication. These brave women have realized that the best way for them to experience peace on Earth is through the opening of their own hearts and minds — and they practice that every day.  

I find this both fascinating and inspiring.  Here is a group of women willing to let go of communication patterns that have served them (well or not-so-well) for years. They’ve come to understand that their own assumptions, beliefs and perspectives color how they hear what others are trying to say.  They’re willing to give up their ego-interpretations in order to get to the heart of conversations with friends, strangers and lovers — with compassion, love and understanding.

This takes real guts.  And lots of practice.

And so, session by session, they’ve been learning and practicing and — most importantly — raising their awareness.  Because our group understands something at a very deep level: it’s all about paying attention to what’s really going on, not what we’ve perceived is going on.  And we need to do that with ears and eyes and hearts that are open to seeing things differently.

See things differently.  Hear things differently.  Perceive things differently.  Not the way the world perceives, with anger, hurt and defensiveness.  But with love, vulnerability and open-heartedness.

Each one of these women is brave. Each one is determined.  Each one is bringing peace to the world through her very own open heart.