Root&Source Blog Entries

Uphill, both ways

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:08:10 -0400

I’m unemployed-not for lack of trying. I’m frustrated by our politicians and their blatant disregard for ethics. I’m frustrated by the riots in England, the elections in WI, the lying talking heads on TV.

It feels like this past decade+ has been an unending uphill battle.

But it helps me to review things from a distance, to take notice of the rest of the world. Japan has endured an especially hard tsunami season with earthquakes to match. Somalia is in the midst of famine, starvation, suffering of an unimaginable magnitude. Families with military members overseas live with constant fear of losing their loved ones.

It’s been a hard year for many people. But I’m sitting in front of my computer, and my big screen, in my air conditioned office...and I have to quit my pitying. My struggles aren’t easy per se; but they could be much much worse. Onward and upward...or as the great Indian Unitarian Hajom Kissor Singh said “to nangroi” Keep Progressing!!

Frustration

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:17:26 -0400

Few things are as stifling to our souls as frustration. Powerlessness is overwhelming. Sometimes, however, it can be surprisingly empowering. When you lose everything there’s no where to go but up. Cliché? Yes. But when you have to give something up because you no longer control it (work, a house, a relationship, etc.) you are forced to reassess Reality and your place in it. Lost your job? Bank foreclosed on your house? The sun still rises. The birds are still singing. The REAL things endure, while our foolish, delusional, and often meaningless constructs implode. Look to Nature for guidance. Of course we need to feed ourselves, and house ourselves, and engage in meaningful activity. But we should put those things in perspective and ensure our priorities are straight.

Be practical and live within your means. Save for the inevitable rainy day. Stop and enjoy the natural world. Love your friends and family, cultivate your spiritual life and never give up.

Eternal Spirit, You are the Power that drives the sun to shine and the
rain to fall. Your call summons the flowers and buds in Spring. Remind
us to look to You as a Guide in our times of confusion. Dwell in our
hearts and our minds, and help us to see the right path and to follow
it.

The Wheel Turns

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:43:23 -0400

Spirit of Life,

How easy it is to speak your name and offer this prayer at this season of re-birth and renewal!! 
You are everywhere, evident in each new bud and shoot. We pray that our lives may be blessed with that same renewal we see all around us in nature's annual celebration. 
We ask that our eyes may be opened to gifts and companions that are part of our journey whom we may be taking for granted. It is easy to walk the way of life with our eyes on the road ahead, and to forget to look over into the eyes of those who share the way with us. Whether they are friends, family, or partners, it is good to remember that a holy spirit can be found in familiar and unexpected people and places.

Be with us, Spirit of Life, and help us to be open and awake to the springtime miracle that is in each one of us. [modified]

--From: Prayer for Easter Sunday by Wayne B. Arnason

Such a tease

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 14:28:38 -0500

It’s cold outside. But there-You’ve left your diary open (on purpose?)-little red buds slowly creeping out of maple branches. “I’m planning to Spring soon” You’ve written. The birds know too-they are chirping away “The Infinite is Springing soon! Let’s sing!” Squirrels hear the birds, and they join the preparations. Still cold. A little grey. But You tease us, with a creak of the turning wheel.

YOU Are Responsible

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:01:54 -0500

Given the recent terrorist activity (let's not pretend it's anything else, OK?) in Tucson, and now coming across this note, I am reminded how powerful our words and actions are. You are responsible for what you say to your children. Religious and political leaders are responsible for what they say and do in public. As I've stated before, there are too many people in my life who have suffered from sexual abuse. This kid was haunted by it-and trusted that no one would help him. No one would keep it secret. His biggest fear would be projected on a giant screen, and no one would believe his side of the story.

As I hope many of you realize, I have kept many of your secrets. If you confide in me, I take that seriously. If you feel no one cares, no one will listen, no one will accept you-I will. If you need to talk, you can talk to me.

Read this tragic letter and keep in mind how we interact with others in our lives. Let's commit to being better listeners, more tolerant, and let us support one another as we move through this life:

http://gizmo.do/hNTF4X