Blog

Wondering

Today dawned with snow still falling and once again I am Wondering (as in actively choosing wonder) as I gaze at the world of nature outside my windows. Snow covers everything like a thick layer of fluffy white frosting. I gaze with wonder and delight at these tracings of beauty. Later I watch the birds and squirrels come looking for food at and underneath the bird feeders and I’m filled with appreciation and wonder for how they know how to survive long cold winters. the universe takes care of all its birds. ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder I want to be Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

A Snowy Day Reverie

The view outside my windows today is A Snowy Day Reverie Everything is covered with a thick layer of wet snow and the snow keeps coming down. It hasn’t stopped the birds from coming to the feeder or the squirrels from coming to check out the ground beneath the feeders. But it’s not a great day to be on the highways. Looking at the MN511 app on my phone this morning, the map looked like this: I am thankful I have no where I need to be today. Instead I can enjoy looking out at all the snow and beauty Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Looking With Soft Eyes

I’ve been thinking about different ways of seeing the world. Today with gray skies above, new snow on the ground, and more rain/snow on the way it seems like a good day for Looking With Soft Eyes …and an open heart What does it mean to look with soft eyes and an open heart? For me it is a shift from actively trying to see and do towards a kind of relaxation and receptivity. It’s kind of being/accepting of what is instead of actively doing or trying to change or fix. When our lives are upended either by an illness Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

In Our World

  This morning I read several beautiful essays and articles in Orion Magazine. One that particularly moved me was For As Many Days as We Have Left. It tells a love story but also deals with living in a time of climate change. It echoes many thoughts I have had about what is currently happening In Our world And it suggests that love helps us stay in the present moment instead of falling into fear and despair about the future. I would add that love helps us to grieve what is lost while loving what remains. If you have time Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Grace and Gratitude

I’ve had a quiet week, taking it easy after cataract surgery on Monday. And today I’m feeling a sense of Grace and Gratitude for life just as it is and for me, just as I am, in all my perfect imperfection. I read an article this morning that suggests that we relax our ego and let go of trying, instead living in a place of acceptance and loving kindness towards ourselves and others. The relaxation of the ego is a kind of loving acceptance of what is. It was just what I needed today — to stop trying and simply Read more…

By Marilyn, ago