In the quiet hum of our days, they arrive, With tools in hand and patience alive. Through leaky pipes and stubborn doors, They mend, they fix—they do much more.
For when the faucet drips its song, Or something in the walls goes wrong, They show up steady, kind, and true, With skill and jokes to pull us through.
Terrance, with his humor keen, Turns repairs into a friendly scene. A touch of wit, a knowing stance, With steady hands and a friendly glance.
Jonathan, Mel, and Eddie too, And all who work to see us through. Through every call, each task they bear, They lend their time, their strength, their care.
So here’s to those who work with grace, Who keep our homes a cared-for space. With gratitude deep, we sing their due, A heartfelt thanks to all of you.
✨ English ✨ The light of warmth shines through the long night, 🌙 Though storms may rage, the heart’s lantern never fades. 🕯️ Though mountains are high and waters far, a homebound boat remains, ⛰️🌊⛵ After hardship, spring arrives, and the world is born anew. 🌿🌸
✨ Spanish / Español ✨ La luz del alma brilla en la oscuridad, 🌙 Aunque ruja la tormenta, la llama no se apaga. 🕯️ Montañas y mares no detienen el regreso, ⛰️🌊⛵ Tras la prueba, la primavera renace. 🌿🌸
✨ Italiano ✨ La luce dell’anima illumina la notte, 🌙 Anche nella tempesta, la fiamma non si spegne. 🕯️ Monti e mari non fermano il ritorno, ⛰️🌊⛵ Dopo il dolore, la primavera rinasce. 🌿🌸
✨ العربية / Arabic ✨ نور الروح يضيء الظلام، 🌙 مهما اشتدت العواصف، لا تنطفئ الشمعة. 🕯️ الجبال والبحار لا تمنع العودة، ⛰️🌊⛵ بعد المحن، يأتي الربيع ويولد العالم من جديد. 🌿🌸
✨ עברית / Hebrew ✨ אור הנשמה זורח בלילה החשוך, 🌙 גם בסערה, הנר אינו כבה. 🕯️ ההרים והימים אינם עוצרים את השיבה, ⛰️🌊⛵ לאחר הקושי, האביב מגיע והעולם נולד מחדש. 🌿🌸
✨ Русский / Russian ✨ Свет души сияет сквозь ночь, 🌙 Пусть бушует буря, но огонь не гаснет. 🕯️ Горы и воды не остановят путь домой, ⛰️🌊⛵ После невзгод приходит весна, и мир обновляется. 🌿🌸
✨ Українська / Ukrainian ✨ Світло душі сяє крізь ніч, 🌙 Хай шторм бушує, та вогонь не згасне. 🕯️ Гори й води не зупинять дорогу додому, ⛰️🌊⛵ Після труднощів настає весна, і світ відроджується. 🌿🌸
As I sit here in my yard, under the shade of tall trees and a sky so vast, I am reminded of the gentle teachings of impermanence. The pratyayas, those rising and falling sensations, memories, and thoughts, have once again surfaced, but they do not hold the weight they once did. Instead, there is a soft awareness that everything is already changing, and that in the grand scheme of time, everything is already gone.
I look over at my RV, which has been a sanctuary for me for so many years. Soon, this land will become something else, transformed into a clubhouse. And yet, in this moment, I am filled with deep appreciation for what has been, for the unconscious and conscious years spent on this blessed earth. The impermanence of it all doesn’t bring sadness, but rather a profound gratitude for having lived through it, both mindfully and unmindfully.
Namkhai Norbu’s sky-gazing practice teaches us to rest in the awareness of what is, without grasping or rejecting. In these moments of contemplation, I’m reminded that sky-gazing isn’t about observing the physical sky but allowing the mind to open into its own natural spaciousness. The practice reflects what is already within—clear, vast, and untouched by the clouds of thought.
As pratyayas of impermanence arise, they are met not with resistance but with curiosity. Curiosity has become my companion on this contemplative path, gently guiding me to rest in awareness without the need for answers or conclusions. There is no longer a push for meaning, only the quiet observation of the present moment unfolding, just as it is.
In this state of being, I can feel both the impermanence of the physical world and the abiding stillness of awareness. It is a paradox, and yet it is also the simplest truth: everything changes, and yet awareness remains the same.
The teachings of St. John of the Cross, Ramana Maharshi, and Namkhai Norbu all point to this truth in their own ways. We move through life, through our spiritual practices, sometimes seeking, sometimes grasping for deeper experiences. But there comes a moment when we simply stop, when we rest in the spaciousness that has always been there. It is not a state we attain; it is a state we remember.
As I continue this practice, I feel a deep gratitude, not just for the present moment, but for all that has been and all that will come. And in this gratitude, the pratyayas seem to soften, leaving behind the quiet awareness that is always there, patiently waiting for us to return.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the journey our food takes before it reaches our plates. We often eat on the go, distracted by screens, or in a rush, without truly appreciating the nourishment we receive. Mindful eating invites us to slow down and savor each bite, bringing a deeper awareness and gratitude for the food we consume.
What is Mindful Eating?
Mindful eating is the practice of being fully present and engaged while eating. It’s about appreciating the colors, textures, and flavors of our food, and understanding the journey it took to arrive at our table. This practice isn’t tied to any particular spiritual or religious tradition; it’s simply about cultivating a deeper connection with the food we eat and the process that brings it to us.
The Journey of Food: From Seed to Plate
The Seed: Every piece of food starts from a seed. Imagine the tiny seed planted in the earth, nurtured by the soil, water, and sunlight. Farmers care for these seeds, ensuring they have the best chance to grow.
Growth: Picture the seed sprouting, growing into a plant or tree. The plant endures various weather conditions, receiving care from farmers who protect it from pests and provide the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Harvest: When the time is right, the food is harvested. This might involve picking fruit from trees, gathering grains, or pulling vegetables from the ground. Consider the effort and dedication required to harvest the food at its peak.
Transportation: After harvest, the food is transported. It may travel long distances, passing through the hands of many workers, from packers and drivers to warehouse staff and store employees, all playing a role in delivering the food to us.
Processing and Distribution: Some foods undergo processing—washing, sorting, and packaging—before reaching the market. Think about the systems and people involved in these steps, ensuring the food is safe and ready for consumption.
Purchase: Whether from a grocery store, market, or directly from a farm, purchasing food is an act that connects us to the larger food system. It involves choices that reflect our tastes, needs, and values.
Preparation: Preparing food can be a mindful activity in itself. Washing, cutting, cooking, and arranging food requires attention and care. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the transformation of ingredients into a meal.
Practicing Mindful Eating
To begin practicing mindful eating, try this simple exercise:
Choose Your Food: Select a piece of food, like an apple or a piece of bread.
Observe: Take a moment to look at the food. Notice its color, shape, and texture. Feel its weight in your hand.
Imagine the Journey: Visualize the journey this food took to reach you, from seed to harvest, transportation, and preparation.
Savor the Flavor: Take a small bite and chew slowly. Pay attention to the flavors and textures. Notice how the food changes as you chew.
Express Gratitude: Reflect on the effort involved in bringing this food to your table. Feel gratitude for the earth, the farmers, the workers, and everyone who played a part.
Benefits of Mindful Eating
Enhanced Gratitude: Appreciating the journey of food fosters a sense of gratitude for the nourishment we receive.
Better Digestion: Eating slowly and mindfully can improve digestion and help us recognize when we’re full.
Greater Enjoyment: Mindful eating allows us to savor the flavors and textures of our food, enhancing our eating experience.
Healthier Choices: When we eat mindfully, we’re more likely to make healthier food choices and enjoy balanced meals.
Conclusion
Mindful eating is a simple yet powerful practice that can transform our relationship with food. By slowing down and appreciating the journey of our food, we cultivate gratitude and mindfulness in our daily lives. Whether you’re familiar with meditation or not, mindful eating is an accessible way to bring more awareness and enjoyment to your meals.
Give it a try with your next meal and discover the difference it makes!
My Spiritual Journey with St. John of the Cross and Jesus Christ
Hey everyone! I’ve been on a fascinating journey lately, exploring some deep spiritual stuff that’s really been blowing my mind. And, let me tell you—it’s been eye-opening!
Recently, I stumbled upon this book called “The Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross. Sounds intense, right? It totally is! St. John talks about this journey where the soul goes through tough times to find a deeper connection with God. It’s like he’s describing these dark times we all go through, but how they can actually lead to something amazing and spiritual.
One thing that’s really stuck with me is how he talks about longing for God’s presence. It’s like that feeling when you really miss someone, but instead of a person, it’s this deep spiritual connection you’re longing for. I’ve started to see how even tough times can be part of this journey towards finding peace and purpose.
And then there’s Jesus. Man, his teachings are mind-blowing. He talks about love, forgiveness, and seeing the Kingdom of God in everything around us. It’s not just about believing; it’s about really living those teachings every day. That’s been a challenge for me, but also super rewarding when I see how it changes how I treat people and handle tough situations.
And let’s not forget the miracles! Whether it’s Jesus healing someone or just those little everyday miracles, they remind me that there’s something bigger than us out there. It’s like a reminder to keep faith and stay open to the wonder of life.
So yeah, this journey into spirituality has been a rollercoaster, but in the best way possible. It’s helped me see life in a whole new light and given me tools to navigate the ups and downs. I’m still learning and growing, but isn’t that what life’s all about?
What about you? Have you ever had moments where you felt a deep spiritual connection or experienced something that made you question everything? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories too! Let’s keep this conversation going.
In the midst of beauty, a sudden crash echoes with illness and pain. Yet, amidst the ebb and flow, there lies a promise of strength and peace growing with time.
Greetings Everyone…. This is about one of the absolutely best, most helpful books, I have ever found, about living with ME/CFS.
Toni Bernhard’s “How to Be Sick” is a powerful and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those suffering from chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other similar conditions.
The book is written with great empathy, warmth, and practicality, providing readers with a wealth of information, insights, and practical tools to help them manage their condition and live a more fulfilling life.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is the author’s own experience of living with chronic illness. Toni Bernhard was a law professor when she became ill with a viral infection that left her bedridden and in constant pain. This experience gave her a unique perspective on what it’s like to live with a chronic illness, and she shares her insights and wisdom in a way that is both accessible and highly relatable.
The book is divided into three parts, each addressing a different aspect of living with chronic illness. The first part focuses on the emotional and psychological challenges of coping with chronic illness, including the grief, loss, and isolation that can accompany such conditions. The second part offers practical advice on managing symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and brain fog, while the third part offers guidance on how to cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in life despite illness.
What sets this book apart from other self-help books for chronic illness is the author’s emphasis on mindfulness and compassion. Throughout the book, Toni Bernhard stresses the importance of being present in the moment, accepting one’s condition with kindness and compassion, and cultivating a sense of gratitude for the small joys in life.
She also offers a range of practical mindfulness exercises and meditations that can help readers to cultivate these qualities in themselves.
Overall, “How to Be Sick” is an essential read for anyone living with chronic illness, especially those suffering from ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other similar conditions. The book is not only packed with practical advice and insights, but it also offers a powerful message of hope and resilience that can help readers to find meaning and purpose in their lives despite illness.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to live a more fulfilling life with chronic illness.
Essentially… “How to Be Sick” by Toni Bernhard is a guidebook for people living with chronic illness or chronic pain. Toni, who was diagnosed with the sudden onset of chronic fatigue, shares her personal experiences and provides practical advice for managing physical and emotional challenges associated with chronic illness.
Toni encourages us to accept our condition, practice mindfulness, and cultivate gratitude to improve our quality of life. The book also offers insights into navigating relationships, communicating with healthcare providers, and adapting to a new way of life.
Without a doubt, “How to Be Sick” provides a compassionate and empowering approach to living with chronic illness. It is one of the most helpful and useful books I have ever read on the subject of living with chronic fatigue.
Dear friends, If you have found any other books, that you would highly recommend, please share them in the comments section below – it is very possible that others can benefit from your suggestions as well.
I personally, highly recommend this book to anyone experiencing ME/CFS, Long Covid or chronic illness of any kind. You can usually find a used copy on Amazon.
May we all find peace, joy and wellbeing on our journey through life.
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