Responsibilities gifts
The Coast Salish people had a class system based on response- ability. There were strict protocols for community life. My native friends ancestral line is from the high class people, from chiefs and medicine people. In so many ways, his cultural traditions are upside down when compared to ours. So much focus is on relationship and we-ness over individualism. I think in western culture an overemphasis on individualism has led to numerous Dis-eases. We can all benefit to turning our attention to nurturing relationships, not in a fearful codependent way but with empathy. The ability to respond...
Read MoreRenewal
Ahhh spring is here. What kind of renewal do we need in our lives? Do we need to resurrect any part of ourselves, any relationship, any experience? In this time of amazing growth, beauty and increasing light, can we take some moments to be grateful for the wisdom of nature. We get so caught up in the human world but studies show that awe and beauty, that turning our attention to the wider world gets us out of our heads and makes us happier. Can we remember to renew gratitude and wonder, the kind we embraced as children again? Can we resurrect our innocence....
Read MoreIs there Crazy wisedom?
Good mental Health is not an entirely internal affair nor is it entirely a cultural or social issue. There are so many influences from the health of our bodies to our families and society that influence our well being and ability to be resilient. Ultimately, we are an individual and also a we. They cannot be separated. We are complex beings who live within many circles of influence. Yes, there is crazy wisdom. Some cultures see anomalous experiences not as psychotic but as openness to other ways of being. In indigenous cultures the community steps in and supports people in times when they...
Read MoreResilience
What are the qualities of resilience? What about thriving? We must claim our lives, claim our worthiness , our shared suffering and our shared vulnerability. Perhaps thriving and resilience are rooted in faith. If not faith in the great mystery, faith in the power of life force, of the dynamic essence of alchemy and transformation. We can use the lead of our lives to deepen, to build character and compassion as well as, ultimately, to create gold. A heart of gold and faith in ourselves, others and...
Read Morelife tips
As the quarter nears an end I think of what I want to leave my students with, or anyone who should be cared for. All of these life tips will help with whatever is needed to improve a life…the more and the more often,the better. LIfe tips: be yourself with bravery and self compassion, time to be is more important than time to do, nurture your relationships with humans as well as animals, elements and the unseen, meditate or color or dance or sing or pray often, watch kitten and puppy and interspecies love videos now and then, go outside frequently and put down the devices often. Be in...
Read MoreThe light is growing
In this time as the light grows and spring approaches, can we take time to appreciate the seasons both metaphorically and literally. We can remind ourselves that “to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose….” These seasons are given to us to teach and enrich our lives. There is always change. Change and growth are entwined forces of our life. We are not in charge of everything but our own character and choices. When our character, our values informs our lives we weather the changes with grace....
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