This series just gets better and better. I love this close reading of St. Francis's grammar (assuming the translation is fair to the original) and the elevation of "sow" as the verb to live by. I'm going to go find something to sow today. Francis gives us so many choices - there's something for just about any occasion. :-) To "sow" love or pardon is not to "perfect" it in one go. Francis sets the bar nice and low for us mortals.
Nice and low, yes! I don't think I would've been as aware of "sow" being so shy, had not a few of you sharp readers shared your reflections on that mighty little word. 💚
Another full line to ponder, but your close observation that 'sow' is the unspoken verb in these following lines expands the prayer for me in beautiful ways. ''If...injury, [let me sow] pardon". Our capacity, courage, willingness to sow, makes us his instruments of peace. As I sow 'love' and its attributes like 'pardon' I am an instrument of peace. I am also so very human and have to stretch daily to counter my protective instincts, and as you note, Julie, I do better when I am not tired or impatient and rushing. I can be so much more patient with my grandchildren than I was with their parents. I can slow down, dawdle along their detours, play games, listen, expand the silliness of a joke. I have the time, my mind isn't thinking about something from work, I just drop into their world. Your comment on blame as and obstacle to pardon is also so wise, it is the place between the injury and our pardon, the threshold, where we sow what will either lead to peace or greater injury. this is a great series and you are expanding each line for us with so much of your self and your thoughts. thank you.
From a secular perspective, this message encourages us to take positive actions:
- **Embrace responsibility:** Acknowledge any mistakes and the impact they may have on others.
- **Cultivate empathy:** Strive to understand and share the feelings of those we may have hurt.
- **Practice self-forgiveness:** Let go of resentment and self-blame to promote personal growth.
- **Pursue reconciliation:** Actively seek to mend and strengthen relationships when possible.
Although rooted in spiritual traditions, the themes of forgiveness and understanding resonate universally. They serve as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes and highlight the importance of compassion and empathy in fostering strong, healthy connections.
Regardless of our beliefs, these foundational principles can guide us toward a better world.
"My own stories and actions, then, are a threshold between inner and outer worlds, between the unseen and the visible." I love this Julie. We really do exist as thresholds. When I remember this, I remember that I live mostly in mystery, and then also, ironically, I'm able to see myself and the actions I take more clearly.
“To admit to having wronged someone requires humility and inner strength to carry me through self-judgment to compassion. In a way, I am seeking pardon both from the person I wronged and from myself for my thoughtlessness or cruelty.” This truth hit home. I suspect, for me anyway, acknowledgment, acceptance, even embracement of that bit of seeking pardon from self is a key growth point here.
And I so love especially that second stanza from Rumi out in the field. The idea of “each other” not making sense speaks to me.
Thank you, Julie, for creating the space for these connections and reflections and pointing to the thread so it can continue and grow. There’s something quite magical happening here.
You’re so right Julie—It all begins with our own emotional awareness and honesty, doesn’t it? Without the ability to see/feel/understand our own inner life and subsequent actions, how could we ever develop compassion for another’s?
During the 10 years I was an Instructional Coach, I had this framed and hanging in my office. I really appreciate the idea that dichotomies such as right/wrong are manifestations of an “us versus them” mentality. In our current national crisis (reelection of a felonious sociopath), I am trying very hard not to feel hatred and anger toward those who voted for him. It is very much a work in progress. [Actually, this response probably fits your previous entry on hatred/love better than injury/pardon. Oh, well.]
Love your phrase, "the mysterious balm of community in troubled times."
Thanks for being here, Bethany. 🕊🤍
This series just gets better and better. I love this close reading of St. Francis's grammar (assuming the translation is fair to the original) and the elevation of "sow" as the verb to live by. I'm going to go find something to sow today. Francis gives us so many choices - there's something for just about any occasion. :-) To "sow" love or pardon is not to "perfect" it in one go. Francis sets the bar nice and low for us mortals.
Nice and low, yes! I don't think I would've been as aware of "sow" being so shy, had not a few of you sharp readers shared your reflections on that mighty little word. 💚
❤️
Another full line to ponder, but your close observation that 'sow' is the unspoken verb in these following lines expands the prayer for me in beautiful ways. ''If...injury, [let me sow] pardon". Our capacity, courage, willingness to sow, makes us his instruments of peace. As I sow 'love' and its attributes like 'pardon' I am an instrument of peace. I am also so very human and have to stretch daily to counter my protective instincts, and as you note, Julie, I do better when I am not tired or impatient and rushing. I can be so much more patient with my grandchildren than I was with their parents. I can slow down, dawdle along their detours, play games, listen, expand the silliness of a joke. I have the time, my mind isn't thinking about something from work, I just drop into their world. Your comment on blame as and obstacle to pardon is also so wise, it is the place between the injury and our pardon, the threshold, where we sow what will either lead to peace or greater injury. this is a great series and you are expanding each line for us with so much of your self and your thoughts. thank you.
Thanks for bringing your insights and wisdom here, Leslie. 🕊️🤍
From a secular perspective, this message encourages us to take positive actions:
- **Embrace responsibility:** Acknowledge any mistakes and the impact they may have on others.
- **Cultivate empathy:** Strive to understand and share the feelings of those we may have hurt.
- **Practice self-forgiveness:** Let go of resentment and self-blame to promote personal growth.
- **Pursue reconciliation:** Actively seek to mend and strengthen relationships when possible.
Although rooted in spiritual traditions, the themes of forgiveness and understanding resonate universally. They serve as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes and highlight the importance of compassion and empathy in fostering strong, healthy connections.
Regardless of our beliefs, these foundational principles can guide us toward a better world.
Thank you for sharing this wise guidance. These are indeed words (and deeds) to live by.
I love st Francis- Thankyou 🖤🩸🌹🎵👁️🫀🌹🌱❤️🩹💪🏾🪷🫁🦉🙏🏾🌔✍🏽
Thanks for being here, Rose.
community, wonder, and words. Thank you Julie for this exploration and deep thinking.
Thanks for being here, Kate. 🕊️🤍
"My own stories and actions, then, are a threshold between inner and outer worlds, between the unseen and the visible." I love this Julie. We really do exist as thresholds. When I remember this, I remember that I live mostly in mystery, and then also, ironically, I'm able to see myself and the actions I take more clearly.
Well said. It is such a mystery, isn’t it? Thanks for being here, Emily. 🕊️🤍
Yes! I’m happy to be hear Julie.
“To admit to having wronged someone requires humility and inner strength to carry me through self-judgment to compassion. In a way, I am seeking pardon both from the person I wronged and from myself for my thoughtlessness or cruelty.” This truth hit home. I suspect, for me anyway, acknowledgment, acceptance, even embracement of that bit of seeking pardon from self is a key growth point here.
And I so love especially that second stanza from Rumi out in the field. The idea of “each other” not making sense speaks to me.
Thank you, Julie, for creating the space for these connections and reflections and pointing to the thread so it can continue and grow. There’s something quite magical happening here.
You’re so right Julie—It all begins with our own emotional awareness and honesty, doesn’t it? Without the ability to see/feel/understand our own inner life and subsequent actions, how could we ever develop compassion for another’s?
I often wish I'd understood this at a much younger age.
You included my favorite Rumi quote:
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
During the 10 years I was an Instructional Coach, I had this framed and hanging in my office. I really appreciate the idea that dichotomies such as right/wrong are manifestations of an “us versus them” mentality. In our current national crisis (reelection of a felonious sociopath), I am trying very hard not to feel hatred and anger toward those who voted for him. It is very much a work in progress. [Actually, this response probably fits your previous entry on hatred/love better than injury/pardon. Oh, well.]
It's all connected, I get it. Totally agree about being a work in progress! Hooboy, this is definitely the advanced course.