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.
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…
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…
Autumn Equinox
Today is the Autumn Equinox and I wanted to spend it breathing fresh air, reveling in natural beauty, and listening to wise messages from water, trees, and my local creatures roaming & flying around China Camp. A beautiful intention gone awry. Instead, I woke up grouchy. I kept my hoody hood up all morning. Hiding…
Body Love
Every human has a body that is beautiful, unique, and sacred. If we could all only see, know, and remember this both inside and outside of ourselves, what a vastly different world we might inhabit. A newly inspired Sacred Body Love practice for me is to stay connected to the reverence I have for my…