Reflections of the Past

and hopes for the future

“For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be.” – John Connolly

A black and white photograph of a young child sitting in her room... This week I found myself gazing into the eyes of that little girl and as she stared back at me, I tried to remember what that time in her life was like. It seems like many lifetimes ago and yet the photo itself is only about 50 years old now. I am that little girl and that photo is one of my favorites.

Lately I find myself feeling more nostalgic. It seems like when I was a child the world was so much different (and better) in many ways, than today’s world. Growing up on a farm, playing outside, using my imagination, surrounded by love and acceptance…as I look at that picture, I see someone filled with both innocence and hope.

I turn my attention back to today. I try to focus on simple acts or gestures of kindness…moments that bring me joy…That was what I was trying to focus on this past week. Working on my painting, visiting with friends, calling loved ones, enjoying our family movie night with a big bowl of popcorn and soaking in the elusive sun, while I took our dog on her many walks throughout the day. Avoiding watching the national news this week was something else I was also trying to accomplish.

The tragedy in Nashville reminded me of 2012, when our son was in elementary school and the Sandy Hook shooting took place. My husband and I purposely turned off the television that week and avoided any news broadcasts, both local and national. Our son was in 2nd grade at the time and I remember feeling sick to my stomach when I heard about all of the young lives that were lost and how they were lost. 

Trying to imagine what those parents felt was impossible. Looking at our son as I dropped him off at his school and realizing that there were parents who would never get to do that with their own child ever again, was completely heartbreaking.

At that time I worked in an elementary school and, not too long after Sandy Hook, we would begin practicing what were called active shooter drills. In hindsight, tornadoes and fires seemed much easier to prepare for than this other type of “disaster”, which to me was so insidious and far from anything considered natural.

Barricading doors and hiding in silence in darkened rooms waiting for the all clear to be broadcast over the loudspeaker, followed by a return to normalcy. This is now the world children find themselves growing up in and I feel so helpless realizing that for my son, who is now a senior in high school, Sandy Hook is just one of too many school shootings during his lifetime.

I am grateful that I grew up in a much simpler time. The 1970’s and 80’s had their share of upheaval and crisis but as a child and teenager, I can say I didn’t feel any of the intensity and stress that children feel today. People and relationships were the center of my world. Today, it feels like a much different situation. Technology, mixed with isolation, especially during the last few years, seems to have redefined normal, everyday life. 

Where does that leave us? Perhaps we could start by putting down our phones and looking each other in the eyes when we speak…perhaps remembering our fragility, our humanity and the importance of love and respect. Perhaps looking at one another as we once did - through the eyes of a child…with love and hope for a better future…

I know it’s not an answer…but it’s a good start…

Smile Video

Morey Belanger has a severe hearing impairment but still goes to public school. The students there have taken it upon themselves to learn sign language. Steve Hartman has her story on the road.

#believe #stevehartman #smilevideos

Time to relax….

Looking for a relaxing background on your television? I’ve been using this YouTube video and it provides music and images for relaxation, meditation, studying, reading or even sleeping. Enjoy! 

What I am reading…

During Lent, for the past few years, I have read and reread Jon Meacham’s book The Hope of Glory: Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus on the Cross. The last seven sayings of Jesus as recorded in the bible are explored, along with essays and historical reflections. I have been a big fan of Meacham’s work and I find his thoughts deep and inspiring. Here is a few examples:

 “I believe in God on the same evidence that I believe in love. Both are invisible forces with visible effects.”

“Reason and faith are the wings with which we can rise from the darkness of ignorance and despair, seeking forgiveness and nothing less than holiness in a profane world.”

“Paul offered some guidance for the journey: Be at peace among yourselves…Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always see to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks…hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil.’ - wise words for all of us, whatever our doubts, whatever our faith.”

And finally, my personal favorite, “In the shadow of the cross, hope - not certainty and surely not fear - is the truth that endures despite all the pain and all the heartbreak and all the tears. ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation,’ Jesus said, ‘ but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ Or so we pray, now and always.”

This week’s TED Talk - The profound power of gratitude and "living eulogies"

I have watched TED Talks for many years now. I love the wide variety of experiences and opinions TED Talks offer. Here is one I would like to share for this week:

Why do we often wait so long to recognize each other's gifts? Why are the truest compliments for the people we love often said only after they're no longer around to hear and savor them? Andrea Driessen makes the case for writing eulogies for the living, sharing the power of "Gracenotes" to offer connection on a deeper level and dispel any regrets of waiting until a loved one's death to appreciate their presence in your life.

Holistic Wellness Spotlight - exploring the mind/body connection

Why do yoga? Here are some of the best benefits of starting a regular yoga practice.

National Poetry Month

Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives. 

This month I will share my favorites - Here is the first one:

Children’s Corner

When one child reaches out in friendship to a classmate who seems lonely, she begins a chain reaction of kindness that ripples throughout her school and her community. One kind act begets another, small good deeds make way for bigger ones, and eventually the whole neighborhood comes together to build something much greater than the sum of its parts.

Quote of the week

Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….