Our walk into spring is different from any other
Expectations are masked
Time is free to roam
Gentleness and patience
Tame our minutes
Be kind to yourself.
- Shirley Riga
Poem by Mark Nepo
“My efforts now turn
from trying to outrun suffering
to accepting love wherever
I can find it.
Stripped of causes and plans
and things to strive for,
I have discovered everything
I could need or ask for
is right here—
in flawed abundance.
We cannot eliminate hunger,
but we can feed each other.
We cannot eliminate loneliness,
but we can hold each other.
We cannot eliminate pain,
but we can live a life
of compassion…
There is nothing to do
and nowhere to go.
Accepting this,
we can do everything
and go anywhere.”
PARTICIPANTS’ REFLECTIONS:
Nothing to do, nowhere to go. Was tired last night. Our culture focused on doing, doing, doing. Good to be reminded to be in this space and to be quiet. Friend is ill and I’m sending her good vibes
You said today is “a day like no other”. I am focusing on that. Instead of focusing on the negative, I’m going to make today as no other. Working on self, daily meditation, healthier habits
Being gentle with self
Focusing on what I can do. Avoiding negative, being gentle with self
I want to focus on health. Acceptance. Day of joy, Beltane
My mom passed away on May 1 a few years ago. I have grief, still crying.
This is valuable meditation time that helps
Had difficult time yesterday. Usually feel sheltered outside but not yesterday.
Important to figure out why we want to correct people outside. It is our fear. We can express our feelings through our creativity and release the fear.
Today is hard. My son is graduating in another state today and I want to be there. It hurts. Good to feel our feelings.
Good reminder to be gentle with self. It's one day at a time, more than ever.
My favorite plant is a zizi plant. I’m naming it Shirley because she is unique like the plant. She is shining us all towards the light.