-
The Promise of Renewal
On Monday night, the UConn Women’s Basketball team played Baylor to advance to the final four. The game took place in San Antonio, Texas. It was a tough and intensely physical game that UConn won by two points. Geno Auriemma, the UConn coach, while being interviewed at the end of the game, said something that caught my attention. Describing his team’s win against a team that was stronger, bigger, and faster, he said that, “Although UCONN has a long history of winning, this year’s team is young and when you don’t know because you’ve never been there before, you don’t believe it. These players don’t have that experience yet. No matter how many times they’re told and how many times they look up at the banners hanging from the rafters at Gampel Pavilion …. until they’ve done it they won’t believe it.” Geno Auriemma has coached the UConn women’s team for 36 years during which they’ve reached the final 11 times and won 11 titles. UConn recruits some of the best athletes out there and…
-
Imagine – Hope
Hello everyone, Welcome to the finish line of 2020, a truly unprecedented year. We’re a few hours away from a brand new and much-needed beginning. We ought to give ourselves credit for getting through and being here, ready and able to exhale. Is anything going to change drastically at the dawn of the New Year? Probably not, but change will come…slowly, painstakingly, deliberately, and at times, unexpectedly. ‘Tis the nature of change. Of course! The path to heavendoesn’t lie down in flat miles.It’s in the imaginationwith which you perceivethis world,and the gestureswith which you honor it.Oh, what will I do, what will I say, when thosewhite wingstouch the shore? Mary OliverExcerpt from “The Swan” It is customary to begin a new year by setting intentions and making resolutions. Given the year we’ve had, I feel the need to look back and reflect on the significance and lessons of 2020. In retrospect, even without the pandemic, 2020 was earmarked for chaos. Political upheaval and racial tensions have been building for a while. Our environment has been…
-
On Small Miracles
Our capacity for sharing love and celebrating hasn't diminished because of the imposed limitations. What if we gave ourselves permission to explore new and creative ways to celebrate? Our lives are held together by small miracles and infinite beauty. Pausing to recognize that which we take for granted can open up the vaults of joy right where we stand.
-
In Gratitude
We're approaching Thanksgiving week. How do we celebrate in this new environment? Can we begin by breathing in gratitude for all we have, here and now? These days I try to focus on what I can do in the present moment instead of getting frustrated with my limitations. I appreciate even more the gifts of ordinary moments.
-
Jack of All Trades
Thirty plus years and what seems like a lifetime ago, someone made two statements that have stayed with me. “You’re made of stuff that changes,” she said and proceeded to tell me that I was a “Jack of all trades and master of none.” I remember my breath stopping as I took a pause, trying to figure out why the latter felt like an insult. Time passed and I came to understand and appreciate that, yes, indeed I am made of stuff that changes. Not that I can’t be stubborn or blind to my failings at times but I do try to stay open to possibilities. I am curious and willing to change. As for being a Jack of all trades, I have to confess that I felt the sting of this comment for many years. But why? Let’s see. I have always contended with a heightened sense of perfectionism. At times it worked for me, most of the times it worked for everybody else, and often it left me in conflict. I can blame…
-
Here. Now.
Today is the first day of Spring. Only this day of new beginnings is like no other that I remember. We are in the middle of a global epidemic. The world is taken over by a crisis and we’re all trying to muddle through a situation we hardly understand. There’s fear, anxiety, panic, and information overload. There’s also denial and indifference. Supermarket shelves are empty and human nature is laid bare for all to see. There’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. I was in a store yesterday staring at empty shelves when a young employee came to see if I could find what I needed. No, I said, the shelves are empty but it’s okay, I’ll come back. He said his mother, who can only go shopping when she gets her paycheck, is not able to buy extra supplies. He’s worried about her. I didn’t know what to say. I felt sad. I’ve been feeling increasingly sad and I know you are too. I’m thinking of the people whose livelihoods are being endangered…
-
Let it Be Light!
Yesterday, we celebrated the Winter Solstice. Today, we’re well on our journey to let the light fill our days once again. No matter what your beliefs are and how you choose to celebrate this season, we all share this moment in time – the time when we’re turning towards the light. I hope you take this moment to pause and breathe in the light, love, and peace that’s yours. This light, this love makes the best offerings. Share them with all! Thank you for being present with me over the years! Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your gifts with me. I am truly grateful! May joy, hope, good health, and peace, be yours to cherish in the days to come! My warmest wishes and blessings for light and joy-filled season. Peace!
-
Turn on the Light!
On Tuesday evening, I sat to meditate, in honor of the winter solstice. It was my intention to sit still, breathe and be present in that very moment. I prayed for inspiration and guidance for this coming year. What I received was a deep sense of peace and acceptance. I’ll be holding on to this experience and here’s why. I usually drive myself crazy, trying to do it all well and produce the results I think I should. This last year, my focus has been on being mindful and accepting of what is instead of fighting against it. I’ve been focusing on doing what I can and not getting too hung up on the results. I’ve been giving myself permission to relax more and enjoy the nuances of my life. It must be working because I’ve been feeling lighter, more accepting of myself, and truly grateful. Today, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support you’ve shown me over the years. You have inspired me in so many ways. My…
