The Middle of Ireland

My cousin Doreen and her husband are traveling around Ireland this month. She sent me these photos with this notation:

We are in the middle of Ireland, and visited Birr Castle today.  This is Saint Brendan’s well on the castle grounds.
It dates back to the 6th century.  I made a wish and said a prayer for you and Jim.

There is something very sweet and touching in knowing that in another part of the world, deep in the green earth, lie good wishes and prayers for Jim and I. Somehow, looking at these pictures, I feel like I have been to this place. I don’t know how or why. 

I find it soothing.

 

Stabilizing

Journal entry 8.27.24

Yesterday while I was waiting for Gina Wells to pick me up for my doctor appointment, I saw a huge eagle fly over our lake. It was followed by a smaller, younger one.

I consider eagle sightings auspicious, so was encouraged by this sign.

[for the readers: Gina is the wife of the guy who is subbing my classes while I’m out. I had never met her before. This is how strong my CLMS support network is. I am grateful.]

When I got in the car, meeting Gina for the first time, I told her of the eagle sighting. I told her in Native American mythology, it represented Spirit, and I felt it was telling me Spirit is with me.

While in my doctor appointment, Gina looked up online. When I came out, she read me this:

Find stability in yourself.

When I looked it up today, I found some additional words that can be stabilizing. 

STRENGTH. POWER. WISDOM. FREEDOM. DIVINE PROTECTION. SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.

I’m feeling the strength to do what I need to do.

I will keep the power on my side —enough hopelessness and flying around at the whims of things.

I’m wise enough to know what’s happening here.

The only freedom I will feel is if I don’t get caught in anxiety about imagined future events.

Stabilizing is to feel the strength, power, wisdom and freedom of this important moment.

Each important moment.

ADDENDUM: I went to the hospital early today and met with the palliative care manager.

Jim signed a DNR.

Hospice care has been discussed, but his pulmonologist said to wait and see how he does the next couple of days.

Here is the moment.

Glorious Spirit (nonet)

 Today’s inspiration is this photo from my friend Kara Vereen.

Lay down on this fluffy bed of clouds

The sun striking a glowing pose

Evening brings its gifts to us

Resting into this calm

We look to the sky

Through our own hearts

Glorious

Spirit

Soars

I Turned the Page

 The greatest magic you have is the

courage to go digging for,

when your world falls apart,

the light you still hold,

when everything has grown dark

(Nikita Gill, pg. 24, no title)

I read a poem called “Endings” 

which is a fine poem but in no way 

did I want to write about endings 

given what has happened in my life 

these last couple weeks, 

so I turned the page and found six lines that said

it all about the courage to find the light in the dark 

and I’d say most of the time I’m doing that, 

and I know my years of spiritual practice

 has served me well, while at the same time

I know I can get caught in the trap again, but

each time I will find my way out faster.