I'm so sorry about your father, and I'm glad you found consolation in this prayer. I, too, use this same prayer in my daily meditation. It sets the right tone for the day.
As far as "O Divine Master" goes, I like imagining the "higher power" granting me that grace. When I meditate I use imagery--and part of that imagery is a ghostlike being sitting across from me, holding my hand. Sometimes I imagine it God, or sometimes Christ, or even just my better nature--the god within me.
Are you planning on turning these essays into a book? I think a slim volume illustrated with your watercolors would be a great thing for personal use or for a gift.
Julie, this was absolutely a lovely read. Thank you! And I'm so sorry about the loss of your father.
On the drive to visit my estranged father (I had found out that he was very ill) all of a sudden the words to the St. Francis prayer started running like a beautiful movie in my head. I didn't know I knew them. I had never studied the prayer before, but as a member of a 12-step program I'd certainly heard it and found comfort in it. That day I realized that it must have been living in me in some way, too. Thanks for helping to deepen my understanding of this prayer and for how connective it feels to learn the ways of how it shows up in all our lives.
What a marvelous story. I recognize that feeling of touching a doorway between worlds. I’ve been thinking about Al-Anon a lot as I’ve been working on these reflections. People in the recovery world certainly know how to sow peace and to console those in need.
This essay may now be my favorite, it is hard to choose (as if one must!) I think in my own mind the previous verse and this one have always blended. I too have learned that mystical healing of personal pain by kindness and caring for others, and it has been interesting to note that I have learned to accept care and kindness from others with more grace--realizing I am on the other side of that same mystery. I agree that a small book would combine these beauties well.
I love these contemplations so much Julie. This one brought up a number of thoughts while reading.
First, you reminded me of Anne Lamott’s three prayers, Help, Thanks and Wow. All versions of consolation that can serve both self and others. The other thought that came to mind was a reflection shared by one of the Unfixed doc-series subjects. He lives with severe Crohn’s Disease and found that by not asking for help, he was depriving his friends and family of their spiritual gifts of service, selflessness and compassion. I find this reframe on the awkwardness of “asking for help” so beautiful.
Thank you for offering this cherished moment of reflection!
Yes! Such a great reminder. My son's love language is service (though he has been known to decline the spiritual gift of helping out around the house . . . haha). As I contemplate the shift from isolating as a separate being to feeling and acting on my interconnectedness with all life, the guidance of wise ones is essential. Whether Anne Lamott (love her!) or your friend with Crohn's—or you. Thanks for being here, Kimberly. 🕊🤍
Another beautifully written reflection. I’ve never understood prayer, but I do it anyway. I’ll take a look at those stories you mentioned. I like Cathy’s illustrated book idea (above)!
Great reminders, especially that consoling others is expansive. But interesting that you added "others" into the original. Consoling ourselves by way of asking our "Divine Master" / guides, higher self, etc. rather than seeking outside consolation, brings a different view and more compassion towards self, which we are also lacking 💕
I'm so sorry about your father, and I'm glad you found consolation in this prayer. I, too, use this same prayer in my daily meditation. It sets the right tone for the day.
As far as "O Divine Master" goes, I like imagining the "higher power" granting me that grace. When I meditate I use imagery--and part of that imagery is a ghostlike being sitting across from me, holding my hand. Sometimes I imagine it God, or sometimes Christ, or even just my better nature--the god within me.
Are you planning on turning these essays into a book? I think a slim volume illustrated with your watercolors would be a great thing for personal use or for a gift.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Cathy. I hadn’t thought of making this into a book, but now you’ve mentioned it . . . Hmmmm. 🤔
Would make a great Christmas gift (hint, hint).
in 2025 maybe! hahahaaa
Julie, this was absolutely a lovely read. Thank you! And I'm so sorry about the loss of your father.
On the drive to visit my estranged father (I had found out that he was very ill) all of a sudden the words to the St. Francis prayer started running like a beautiful movie in my head. I didn't know I knew them. I had never studied the prayer before, but as a member of a 12-step program I'd certainly heard it and found comfort in it. That day I realized that it must have been living in me in some way, too. Thanks for helping to deepen my understanding of this prayer and for how connective it feels to learn the ways of how it shows up in all our lives.
jh
What a marvelous story. I recognize that feeling of touching a doorway between worlds. I’ve been thinking about Al-Anon a lot as I’ve been working on these reflections. People in the recovery world certainly know how to sow peace and to console those in need.
"touching a doorway between worlds"--thanks for that <3. And, absolutely.
This is a link to find an online Al-Anon meeting anytime, they post meeting links from around the world: https://meetings.al-anon.org/electronic-meeting-page/
Sweet!
This essay may now be my favorite, it is hard to choose (as if one must!) I think in my own mind the previous verse and this one have always blended. I too have learned that mystical healing of personal pain by kindness and caring for others, and it has been interesting to note that I have learned to accept care and kindness from others with more grace--realizing I am on the other side of that same mystery. I agree that a small book would combine these beauties well.
Thanks so much, Leslie. It's a gift to hear what resonates. 🕊
I love these contemplations so much Julie. This one brought up a number of thoughts while reading.
First, you reminded me of Anne Lamott’s three prayers, Help, Thanks and Wow. All versions of consolation that can serve both self and others. The other thought that came to mind was a reflection shared by one of the Unfixed doc-series subjects. He lives with severe Crohn’s Disease and found that by not asking for help, he was depriving his friends and family of their spiritual gifts of service, selflessness and compassion. I find this reframe on the awkwardness of “asking for help” so beautiful.
Thank you for offering this cherished moment of reflection!
Yes! Such a great reminder. My son's love language is service (though he has been known to decline the spiritual gift of helping out around the house . . . haha). As I contemplate the shift from isolating as a separate being to feeling and acting on my interconnectedness with all life, the guidance of wise ones is essential. Whether Anne Lamott (love her!) or your friend with Crohn's—or you. Thanks for being here, Kimberly. 🕊🤍
Another beautifully written reflection. I’ve never understood prayer, but I do it anyway. I’ll take a look at those stories you mentioned. I like Cathy’s illustrated book idea (above)!
I don't understand it either -- maybe that's the point? Those stories are something else! You're the third vote for the book . . . hmmm.
A lt of wisdom in this, Julie.
Thanks for being here.
So much to be consoled as to console.
Great reminders, especially that consoling others is expansive. But interesting that you added "others" into the original. Consoling ourselves by way of asking our "Divine Master" / guides, higher self, etc. rather than seeking outside consolation, brings a different view and more compassion towards self, which we are also lacking 💕
Great point, Tania! My self-compassion is an ongoing project . . . 🤍
Oh mine too!