Mindfulness in everyday life
We often minimize our own goodness.
We assume others are more creative, more compassionate, more wise.
Recently, during a pastoral visit in prison, I sat with J—as I’ve done many times before. His life story is the hardest I’ve ever heard: relentless abuse, trauma, and loss. Yet somehow, he’s emerged transformed.
On Monday, I went to Oshkosh Correctional for pastoral visits.
My third 1:1 was with C, who lost his mom a year ago. Losing a loved one is even more painful when incarcerated. You feel helpless, disconnected, and ashamed.
In 2016, four months after my mom died, I started volunteering prison.
R, a big guy with a soft heart, shared a powerful story about healing.
I feel enraged, helpless, and deeply sad about the relentless harm our government propagates. There’s nothing I can say to make things better.
Instead, I’ll post hopeful stories from Oshkosh Correctional.
What’s happening (daily!) in the new administration is both mindboggling and heartbreaking. It’s natural to feel helpless and hopeless.
While there’s no quick fix, there are things we can do.
As humans, we’re not just part of nature, we are nature.
The seasons happen around us and they unfold within us.
Today, we have a guest post from spiritual teacher, Gareth Michael. Enjoy his practical wisdom…
It’s been a hard week. There’s so much to process and feel. It’s overwhelming at times. Yet community supports us. Here’s a pathway through the grief…
I’ve spoken with people who have good, full lives yet long for more meaning and purpose. This is natural. Our lives ebb and flow. Still, I think there’s a nagging issue underneath.
In May, I participated in an Art & Death Café. We painted rocks while sharing thoughts about life and death, honoring loved ones, and posing questions.
A new person, T, joined the prison mindfulness group last week. Our discussion—and meditation practice—centered on painful feelings. Here’s what happened…