Transcending

Another shoe drops…..

Another shoe dropped for me today in this new coronavirus world when I learned that an extended family member had died from the COVID-19.

Mark Blum was my step-daughter’s brother-in-law.

My heart goes out to their family during this difficult time, as well as to other families who have lost loved ones in this way.

While death is indeed the most inevitable part of anyone’s life, this disease claims its victims with little warning, leaving them or their families scant time to prepare or even say good-bye.

Then, I also remember there are countless other families, mourning loved ones who have recently died [and will continue to do so] from other causes, totally unrelated to COVID-19.

For ALL those who find themselves grieving during this particularly challenging time of social (physical) distancing, may we each pause for a moment to envelop them with compassionate, loving kindness. To help them know they are not alone in their grief and sorrow.

by mary elaine kiener 2 Comments

The Quarrel Defines Us

The quarrel is not between ourselves, it is within us. The quarrel is between one’s own desires and that which is demanded. The quarrel is between the body and its longings, the soul and its terrors, and the mind, yearning to be free. The quarrel defines us. It drives us forwards, upwards, to our knees in prayer. You must embrace the quarrel. The quarrel will lead us to the answer. It is everything we are.*

I have loved the unfolding stories in Call the Midwife over the years. For its socio-cultural and historical relevance as seen through the eyes of nurse-midwives in the midst of changing societal norms. For its honest depictions of the communal life of nuns during the mid 20th century. For its exquisite character portrayals within a brilliant ensemble cast.

It’s been nearly a decade since I relinquished my cable TV service. [My 60th birthday gift to myself was to wrap the cable box with yellow ribbon to return it to the cable TV office!] Since then, I’ve relied on Netflix DVDs to get my “fix”. Once I made it through Series 1 through 7, I was left waiting until Series 8 not only came to the US, but then was actually available via DVD.

This evening, my patience was amply rewarded.

I so loved the above wisdom offered by the newly introduced cast member. It resonated for me on so many levels—both personally and societally. Its relevance seems to match the description of our space here: that of “Choosing Courageous Wellbeing: Inside me, with you, among us.”

Learning to be in “right relationship” with the quarrels inside and around us. For within the quarrel lies the “heart of the matter”—the seed of the answers we seek.

* Call the Midwife, Series 8, 2018 Christmas Episode.

by mary elaine kiener Leave a Comment

8 Celebrations a Day

A Love Letter from Alex *

Some days it really pays to sort through old files. This afternoon, I found a stack of love letters and cards from my late husband, Alex.

He wrote an especially beautiful letter at a point during our courtship when I was going through a really rough patch at work. I thought you might find his words as comforting-and inspirational–as I did. Both then, and now:

I send you my affection and love to be with you….keep us close together during the trying times….calling on our total energies to help you through….but also call on our combined energies and love when it is time to celebrate at the high times of each day – there should be at least 8 celebrations each day….

When you awake…to another day, the purr of a cat, to the sneeze of [the dog], to the song of birds or to the first ray of sunlight.

Sipping a cup of tea, munching on a crust of toast, peanut butter or crunching a dry cereal for breakfast.

Taking a walk in the out-of-doors regardless of snow, rain, sleet, sun, or cottonwood seeds gliding down to earth, smelling the scents of earth, water, cut grass, sweat of a horse, after shave lotion, fresh dab of perfume or baby oil.

Greetings from friends, acquaintances, students, strangers, passer-bys, your own image reflected in a mirror or storefront window. Surprize….being alive to all which surrounds you each moment in each day.

Listening and hearing the sounds of your own voice…talking, yelling, singing, laughing, whispering.

Touching…oh so many objects, people, animals, buildings, your car, a flower, a caterpillar, the wine in your goblet, the lips of your lover….your own body….with pride, delight and passion.

To be emotional….full range and depth…no limit…full limit…restrained and then abounding…internal and external-Yeah! Take it in…Give and let it out….Human and Full of Life.

To sleep and rest after a fantasy called life which has been experienced….throughout each day.

That my Mary Is what you do! Each and Every day of your creative and beautiful life. Celebrate the existence of yourself with each and every living creature-

I too will celebrate life with you….each day and each moment of that day-

I enjoy spending these seconds with you.

***

* Originally published 12/8/2008

Image Credits:

Love Letters by Patricia Lazar on Flickr (cc) Some Rights Reserved

by mary elaine kiener Leave a Comment

Change Your Attitude About Change

I originally* shared these thoughts from a Rotarian friend on LinkedIn. Thanks, John!

Change Your Attitude About Change

by John Bishop, Executive Director, Accent on Success, Greater St. Louis Area

The world is changing. The changes will be rapid, constant and revolutionary. We can’t stop it.

At best, we can slow it down a little. But, change will be coming from all directions and at speeds we have never seen before. If rapid change is inevitable then how can we prepare for it?

Seven Ways to Look at Change:

1. Today’s change is tomorrow’s norm.

2. Change is as good or as bad as you make it.

3. If you are a change oriented leader expect others to paint a bull’s eye on your back and then shoot arrows at you.

4. Substitute the word “growth” for “change.” It will revolutionize your perspective about new things.

5. “When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” [Tuli Kupferberg]

6. “Change is a challenge and an opportunity, not a threat.” [Prince Phillip of England]

7. If you can’t control the changing event, change how you react to it.

By changing our attitude toward it and insuring that the changes make things better and not just faster.

By changing our attitude toward it we can make the change in our section of the world better – not just faster.

Our personal attitude toward change will ultimately determine our destiny.

www.GoalSettingForStudents.com/archives.html

(If you like this life skill idea, please send it to others. Thank you.)

* Originally published Dec. 2, 2008

by mary elaine kiener Leave a Comment

Transcending Tumult

I sat quietly with my eyes closed. With a whoosh(!), I felt my entire being swept gently-yet-firmly backwards at a “starship-enterprise” warp speed. In rapid, repetitive wave patterns, I was swiftly moving away, gaining distance from something—as if to offer me a 40,000-foot spaceship view and perspective. [Read more…] about Transcending Tumult

by mary elaine kiener Leave a Comment

Louie Schwartzberg: Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.

I happened to see a stunningly beautiful short video this evening while taking a break from the day’s tasks.

Wanting to share it with a friend, I searched online and found the video included as part of a TEDx talk from last year. It was so lovely to learn a bit more about Louie Schwartzberg, the film’s creator that it made sense to share both his introduction and the video itself [the entire clip is just under 10 minutes long].

Louie Schwartzberg is an award-winning cinematographer, director and producer who captures breathtaking images that celebrate life — revealing connections, universal rhythms, patterns and beauty.