Follow what delights your heart
She opened the sweetly wrapped gift from her sister, felt the soft leather between her fingers, and slowly read the words inscribed on the poetic wrist wrap. “What delights your heart?” It read. Four little words. Four seemingly simple words. Four powerful,...
A Thousand Graces in Everyday Life
Tonight laying with my son, my hand against his chest, his hand against my cheek, tears came to my eyes. I felt the warmth of his skin, listened to his breath softening and slowing down, and in the silence my mind recalled some of the things that quietly, deeply moved...
A Speck of Stardust
There are moments that suddenly stop you and you sense your place in the order of things. I had that moment the other day at mass, sitting there next to my beloved, realizing that someday they'll read my name, as part of the prayers for all those who have died. Maybe...
The messages I want my children to get this school year
Can you imagine what your child’s school year would feel like if she received the messages, “I see you” and “You matter” and “I’ll abide with you”? Can you imagine the world we are creating if each child got these messages instead of “hurry up”?
Ritual in Everyday Life
Because the world will pull at you, distract you, vie for your attention. And when you are clear on the vision you want for your family, you’ll stretch out your hand to the world, fingers spread wide, and say, “not now, world. Not this moment.”
Remember the Story of Who You Really Are
Yesterday, I woke up to the tragic news about Robin Williams. I wondered, “What story was he believing when he died? What stories had he held in the secrecy of his heart and mind for so many years?” I think of the people I’ve sat with and listened to in therapy and...
Giving grandparents a break: what matters more than control
I’m watching my children take their grandparents’ hand and excitedly walk into Toys R Us. Years ago, I would’ve tried to tightly control what my parents bought and which toys. Today, I find myself learning to delight in the moment, giving grandparents a break, and...
what to do with the ugly and imperfect within you
Practice loving the “ugly” and “imperfect” within you. And maybe you’ll find that, in fact, they aren’t ugly or imperfect. Maybe they are your saving grace. Maybe they are what keep you tender and enable you to love what is human and divine about you.
Parent with the bigger picture in mind: What remains with your child when you are gone?
Busy, full of distractions..can we parent with the bigger picture in mind? What will remain when you are gone? Let it be your thousand gentle kisses, your slow caresses, your loving presence.
The Power of Vulnerability
There is true power in vulnerability and tenderness. It unbinds the heart and sets us free. We awaken to a power beyond how our culture defines it. We rise and embrace true freedom.