WUNJO - The Rune of Joy
Years ago I bought The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum. It's a handbook for the Spiritual Warrior and the rune stones are an oracle providing a mirror and a little magic for knowing yourself deeply. I've consulted these runes many times over the years and value the way they consistently bring my focus directly to the heart of the matter. Wunjo (joy) is a rune that repeatedly appears for me - an inner urge to follow my joy always. It's a good way for me.
Writing is something that brings me peace, joy and exhilaration to share my inner world. Writing helps me make sense of myself and my world. I started writing for myself in high school. Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way introduced me to Morning pages and they have been my friend for years.
Meaningful
Consciously moving towards what is meaningful. Meaningful moments occur most consistently when I create time and space for them. Connection with others, with nature, and with myself, all feel meaningful. I’m interested in all the gritty and glorious details of life. When it feels safe to be my full, authentic self, those moments are full…
Sad
I feel sad when things don’t work out the way I wanted them to. Life is often not the way I imagined it would be. I could be endlessly disappointed. I could (and do) spend time wishing things were different or imagining how I could have created a different outcome if I had only been…
Oak Trees
I was thinking about why I love oak trees so much. They make me feel like anything is possible. I learn so much from being near them and absorbing their peaceful presence. However big my problems seem or however hard my thoughts, an oak tree can give me the perspective that there is always a…
Living and Dying
For many years I’ve noticed this beautiful oak tree that is both living and dying at the edge of China Camp along the Bay. When I see it from a distance at certain times of the year, I feel sad that such a majestic tree seems to be in distress. Today I walked up close…
Details
I was thinking a little too hard about what made me happy today. I don’t feel the need to force happiness if it’s not there, that’s not happy. It makes me feel good that people check in with me regularly and tell me about their lives. I love that. I’m into the tiniest details and…
Always Be Kind
Always be kind. We can never know the underlying causes of another’s behavior. Always save some room for redemption, for forgiveness, and for allowing ourselves and others the chance to restore our own honor. Today at the farmers market, I was with 3 others from Marin Community Fridges gathering donated food from the farmer’s stands…
Let Life Be What It Is
This morning I spent some time sitting, drinking my tea, listening to the sounds of life happening around me, and watching my thoughts come and go. I can string my thoughts together with such passion and dedication when I am invested in communicating them in order to achieve a certain outcome. Sometimes I catch myself…
My Ancestors Love
Remembering the dead & feeling my ancestors love. My maternal grandmother, Helen Aherns Berger, was the elder most present in my young life. What I remember most about her was the feeling of being accepted. I knew she was rooting for me to be myself. In retrospect, it seems like she wanted to see who…
The Preacher
About 6 years ago, my good friend and her fiancé called to ask if I would officiate their wedding. I was incredibly honored and immediately said an enthusiastic. “YES!” As what I had agreed to do slowly set in, I realized that I felt insecure about performing a wedding ceremony given that I’ve had so…
Holding Tiny Humans
The right side photo is from 8 years ago. I’m overcome with wonder at the sweet, preciousness of my sleeping, spirit nephew, Sonny, in my arms. I’m so grateful that my body easily knows how to hold others. My body is designed to radiate love and comfort to those allowed to get close enough to…
Good morning sunshine.
I wasn’t feeling like it was a good morning when I woke up. I don’t know why I sometimes wake with hard feelings on my heart. Sometimes waking up alone feels luxurious and calm, sometimes it feels incredibly lonely and sad. Today I woke attuned to the bottomless black hole that no amount of attention,…
bell hooks
This writing is from the influence bell hooks writing is having in my life. I’m wrapping my mind around my expanding understanding of what I thought I understood as gender roles. I invite the thoughts of those I may offend and acknowledge that I am taking a risk and might get something wrong. When we…