I accidentally unsubscribed from Cottage emails. I’m trying to get the Lenten series after I saw Work on Substack. I’m not sure if I’m a paid or free subscriber.
Happy Birthday & Thank you, Diana ! You are providing a safe refuge. Also, I'm proud you are networking with Traci Blackmon (UCC) and Heather Cox Richardson along with other vital progressive Christian voices of our time. I take some confidence in the midst of what you have described of us being in the midst of a 4th Great awakening (and that we know we're in it because of the push-back). Keep leaning forward !
I am reminded of Friedman’s Fables and the story of the domino that Wobbled a little bit but did not fall down. I don’t have to react or be aggressive. I just want to stand my ground. “On Christ the solid rock I stand” was my mantra in another crisis in the 90’s. Still works.
Welcome each person you meet , and yourself in the mirror, with a smile. I’m amazed at the difference it makes in my life…even waiting in my car, at the lights , something is triggering, a feeling of life shared.
Thank you for this reflection, it was much needed as I have found myself isolating most days. I don't have a "W" to add but a "C" Contemplative Prayer Practices are my go-to to help keep me grounded. Centering Prayer, Breath Prayer, and Lectio Divina have helped me get through tough days.
Walking is my BIGGEST W. It was what got me through the pandemic when so little else was available. Zoom helped me keep my church alive and walking kept me alive. I was living in California then, so I had more opportunities to be outside year round. But it is so important NOW, that I am finding creative ways to do it even in the frozen tundra of Rochester New York, finding larger indoor spaces to fill in the days that I can’t be outdoors. The simple act of moving and smiling at strangers I encounter keeps me connected to humanity when I’d otherwise run and hide right now.
Hello I found the 10 Ws most helpful & meditate on them daily. I’ve listed them for myself as a sort of mantra, working on memorizing them. I did come up with a few others:
Will: as in free will which we do still have.
Willingness: as in the willingness to do what is needed to fight back against this oppression
Willfulness: a different slant of being willing, keep focused on the efforts needed
Worship: to me an important aspect to staying inspired and not losing heart.
Thank you for sharing the Ws, Diana. And for all the other more recent reflections. My husband & I read them together as a way of praying together (worship). We’ve taken to reading Morning prayer and Compline everyday as a way of emptying our minds & hearts from the day’s events. Thank you for your leadership.
I appreciate the W’s and depend on most of them to keep my sanity.
I am also fortunate enough to have a body able to walk AND have suggested to loved ones who are either temporarily unable to walk due to injury or chronically challenged to walk at all or anymore steps necessary to get from point A to B… to just move…
So that W turned upside down promotes Movement of our bodies as best as we are able … and feeling the sensations of that movement … and doing it under the sun is a bonus!
I love this, Diana. But I’m struggling with “Wide-sight.” I’m having a hard time seeing something “on the periphery that is helpful, healing, or hopeful” in what the Trump administration is doing. I can see that this approach is more sustainable for the long-haul for one’s personal health, but what “good”‘is there on the edges of our field of vision?
I’m adding also Wander in nature. No destination, but rather lifting up thoughts and prayers. And maybe Whimsy…doing something lighthearted, silly, or laughable. Honest to Peet…you cannot make this stuff up!!! Thank you Diana.
Thank you for this gentle/genuine wisdom ….it helps!!!
I accidentally unsubscribed from Cottage emails. I’m trying to get the Lenten series after I saw Work on Substack. I’m not sure if I’m a paid or free subscriber.
Anita Smith
anitapsmith@gmail.com
Happy Birthday & Thank you, Diana ! You are providing a safe refuge. Also, I'm proud you are networking with Traci Blackmon (UCC) and Heather Cox Richardson along with other vital progressive Christian voices of our time. I take some confidence in the midst of what you have described of us being in the midst of a 4th Great awakening (and that we know we're in it because of the push-back). Keep leaning forward !
I am reminded of Friedman’s Fables and the story of the domino that Wobbled a little bit but did not fall down. I don’t have to react or be aggressive. I just want to stand my ground. “On Christ the solid rock I stand” was my mantra in another crisis in the 90’s. Still works.
Happy birthday, Diana!
Welcome each person you meet , and yourself in the mirror, with a smile. I’m amazed at the difference it makes in my life…even waiting in my car, at the lights , something is triggering, a feeling of life shared.
Thank you for this reflection, it was much needed as I have found myself isolating most days. I don't have a "W" to add but a "C" Contemplative Prayer Practices are my go-to to help keep me grounded. Centering Prayer, Breath Prayer, and Lectio Divina have helped me get through tough days.
Today's reflection is what my Dad would call a much needed kick in the butt! Bless you for your ministry. Happy Birthday!
From Compline — Watch and Wait patiently
Worship — trust that God, our Creator, is with us in this time of mayhem
Withdraw from what is toxic
Wear (be clad in) the Fruit of the Spirit in humility
Walking is my BIGGEST W. It was what got me through the pandemic when so little else was available. Zoom helped me keep my church alive and walking kept me alive. I was living in California then, so I had more opportunities to be outside year round. But it is so important NOW, that I am finding creative ways to do it even in the frozen tundra of Rochester New York, finding larger indoor spaces to fill in the days that I can’t be outdoors. The simple act of moving and smiling at strangers I encounter keeps me connected to humanity when I’d otherwise run and hide right now.
Hello I found the 10 Ws most helpful & meditate on them daily. I’ve listed them for myself as a sort of mantra, working on memorizing them. I did come up with a few others:
Will: as in free will which we do still have.
Willingness: as in the willingness to do what is needed to fight back against this oppression
Willfulness: a different slant of being willing, keep focused on the efforts needed
Worship: to me an important aspect to staying inspired and not losing heart.
Thank you for sharing the Ws, Diana. And for all the other more recent reflections. My husband & I read them together as a way of praying together (worship). We’ve taken to reading Morning prayer and Compline everyday as a way of emptying our minds & hearts from the day’s events. Thank you for your leadership.
I appreciate the W’s and depend on most of them to keep my sanity.
I am also fortunate enough to have a body able to walk AND have suggested to loved ones who are either temporarily unable to walk due to injury or chronically challenged to walk at all or anymore steps necessary to get from point A to B… to just move…
So that W turned upside down promotes Movement of our bodies as best as we are able … and feeling the sensations of that movement … and doing it under the sun is a bonus!
Thank you for the list.
I am still frozen in fear much of the day.
I sure hope everyone feels free to adapt the Ws as needed - and creatively! Thank you!
I love this, Diana. But I’m struggling with “Wide-sight.” I’m having a hard time seeing something “on the periphery that is helpful, healing, or hopeful” in what the Trump administration is doing. I can see that this approach is more sustainable for the long-haul for one’s personal health, but what “good”‘is there on the edges of our field of vision?
I also listen to classical music in the morning while getting ready for the day:)
This is very helpful. Thank you Diana.
I’m adding also Wander in nature. No destination, but rather lifting up thoughts and prayers. And maybe Whimsy…doing something lighthearted, silly, or laughable. Honest to Peet…you cannot make this stuff up!!! Thank you Diana.