Change it Up

Summer is winding down and this morning's breeze and cooler weather remind me that change is an essential part of life. The seasons transition, our circumstances change, our minds and hearts grow and change.

 Even while our day-to-day life stays much the same, things are changing around us. Some are predictable and expected, like the start of a new school year, the leaves changing color and falling to the ground, or the holidays we celebrate every year.  Others can take us by surprise, like the political changes that a new administration has brought, or technological advances that leave us a little confused, if we're not continually learning new ways of doing things. Sometimes, change can be devastating, like the loss of a relationship or job, the illness of a loved one or the death of a friend.  

Change can be difficult if we remain stuck in the past, or it can foster spiritual growth if we are willing to let go of what is presenting itself to be released and move on. Like the tree that I'm watching out my front window, bending and giving up its leaves to the wind, I can offer my pain, my regrets, my stagnant habits of mind...whatever hinders me from the fullest expression of the person that God created me to be. 

It may be that fear holds us back, or simply apathy and inertia. We may be ruminating about mistakes made in the past, resentments that we still harbor against ourselves or another. We may find ourselves in very difficult circumstances and it's hard to envision a way out. Sometimes, we may even feel trapped and helpless.

Yet, I am reminded this morning that all of life is in a constant state of movement. If we're not moving and adapting, we become stagnant, stuck in old patterns and ways of doing things. The expression "I'm stuck in a rut", means just that: a feeling that your life is like a wheel that has fallen into a deep groove in the road, unable to move forward.

We may be able to move forward with some self-reflection and prayer:" I can do all things through God who strengthens me", taking baby steps toward needed changes. Or, if we find ourselves in need of help, it may be beneficial to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. 

Whatever path to change we decide to take, it's always best to start with the here and now. So, on this beautiful late summer morning, I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for what is and release whatever no longer serves my highest expression.  I make room for change in my life and heart: breathing in forgiveness and love, breathing out pain, sadness and regret, giving them up like leaves on my tree...all is well in this moment.

The Blessing of Water

  This morning, I am especially thankful for the gift of water, after last night's much needed rain. We were born in water, our bodies are made up of watery fluids, we are refreshed by rainfall and the oceans, rivers and streams near our homes. Without it, we could not survive.

I've been meditating on the blessing of water the past few days; being so close to Lake Ontario means that whenever I am feeling stressed or simply want to watch a beautiful sunset, I can just hop in the car and be there in minutes. Watching the sunlight sparkle on a large expanse of water is hypnotizing and uplifting; being close to a river, ocean or waterfall elevates one's spirit in a way that is indescribable. Water is healing to the body, mind and spirit; an essential element that, here in the Northeast, where we have abundant rainfall and clean drinking water, is often taken for granted.

I am very thankful to be here, able to drink clean water and hike near rushing streams and waterfalls as we did yesterday, yet my heart aches for all those who don't have this simple gift of life: people in the Sudan and other dry land areas, who have been struggling to get clean water; those experiencing extreme heat waves and water use restrictions.

Today, I say a prayer for all those who struggle to find clean water, for those in inner cities who have no access to the restorative healing power of nature's most beautiful sources of water and I ask for God's help to do whatever I can to protect this precious resource. 

 When I am feeling down about the state of the world, climate change or the divisions that politics create, I am thankful that I can go to the water and find peace.

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

-Wendell Berry, "The Peace of Wild Things"

Our Sacred Earth

 August rolls in, soft and warm, bringing endless sunshine and balmy nights. This morning, the air is clear and fresh; the wind has shifted, blowing away the recent smokiness from Canadian wildfires. Late summer flowers add beauty and color to the world: Black-eyed Susan, Echinacea, Rose of Sharon and Hydrangeas are the stars of the garden, framed by a backdrop of hostas and ferns. 

The tomatoes and peppers in my garden are ripening and the farm markets are filled with earth's bounty: fresh sweet corn, peaches and blueberries are just a few of this month's gifts. 

We care for the earth and the earth cares for us. It is a symbiotic relationship, as is everything in nature. I watch the bumblebee on my salvia flower, knowing that it is doing the important work of pollination and I am thankful for this simple, yet profound and sacred act.

The book of Genesis in the bible tells us that we have been given dominion over the creatures and plants of the earth, to care for and protect all of nature in a responsible way. We have never been given the authority to trample and destroy, to pollute and leave toxic waste, as so many in the civilized world have done.

Our beautiful planet has been imperiled by oil spills in the ocean, plastic waste that infiltrates every corner of the world, including our physical bodies, dangerous pesticides, over-development and fracking; the list could go on and on. 

Now there is political pressure to pillage our beautiful national parks for minerals and logging. These treasured places have been protected for so long and now, sadly, they are in danger of exploitation.

This all grieves my heart, as I'm sure it does yours. There is so little we can do, except pray and be responsible in our own small circle of influence. 

Yet here are a few things that we can do:

• Minimize our own footprint. Try, as much as possible, to eliminate plastic waste: reusable bags, "compostic" sandwich and kitchen waste bags; glass leftover containers; recycle whatever we can; give away rather than throw away whenever possible.
• Donate money to reputable environmental groups like Sierra Club, The Leaue of Conservation Voters; Earthjustice, to name a few that I support. These groups actively fight the kind of pillaging that is happening right now.
• Eliminate pesticide use in our homes and gardens. There are environmentally friendly fixes for most weeds and pests (white vinegar kills weeds, peppermint and other essential oils deter bugs, etc).
• Make a compost bin out of an old trash can with holes for drainage. Put in all food waste, except for meats.
• Get political: call your representatives in Congress and the Senate
• Most importantly: TEACH your children and grandchildren to love, respect and care for the earth. They will inherit it after we are gone.

And every day, give thanks for our beautiful sacred Earth, a gift from our Creator