I really love this list by Malanda Jean-Claude.
5 things we never say to people we love but we should:
1. it is an honor that we exist in the same space and time didn’t choose to separate us by eons.
2. the world is a better place with your soul in it.
3. laughing with you plucks anxiety out of my heart, you are a gift to my lungs.
4. your past is not a threat, it’s what brought you to me.
5. i pray about you, still.
I’m going to make an effort to say at least one of these this weekend.
I’m taking a Staycation Day today, and I am looking forward to it very much. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, it won’t be a surprise that I plan to be in nature for much of the day. If fact, I think I’m going to go kayaking!
As we start September 1, I’m also reflecting on the gift of this summer. First off, I adore summer. A few days ago, I shared that I wish we were on a rotation of a) a year with all four seasons, followed by b) a whole year of summer, then repeated consistently. I’d love that! But deep down, in addition to enjoying the warmth and the open windows, I love summer because it becomes an occasion to explore place.
I adore place — my place. I love the Great Lakes region of the U.S. I decided this was going to be the summer I go to the Great Lakes an embarrassing number of times. And you know what? I delivered! I explored all five, and I visited Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie a lot. Truly, an embarrassing number of times. But no regrets. I greatly needed an adventurous summer.
And place is adventurous. This is not only true when it comes to the big, regional features. This is true on daily walks. This is true in our backyard. I also took photos daily of the flowers, animals, and unique features I found, just exploring my neighborhood and my wider town. I discovered that there is so much beauty. Too often, we place it in the background, unnoticed, as we ruminate on our anxieties or stressors. Those anxieties and stressors can loom large, no doubt. But it’s a great gift to be placed and notice what is around us. In fact, this is one of the best ways to ease those anxieties and stressors.
As we start September, I hope you feel connected to your own sense of place. I hope that gifts you.
–Renee Roederer
Sometimes, we come to moments when we must grow. This can feel remarkably vulnerable.
We don’t have to do it alone. We can do it together.
Perhaps today is a good day to notice the small things. 🙂
Last night, I happened upon a rehearsal of people singing madrigals. When they noticed my enjoyment, they invited me to rehearse with them. For an hour, I had delight in this. The sight singing was delicious with Renaissance revelry.
I love surprises. I love spontaneity.
–Renee Roederer
This morning, I’d like to share these slides from Mamamanon. If we experience these trauma responses inside ourselves or recognize them in others, it is good to bring them to awareness. They deserve compassion.
Smuggling Grace 