Contemplating a Tree

February 14, 2022.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Meditation, a former teacher of mine said, is as easy as contemplating a tree. Imagine its roots running deep into the Earthgrounding and nurturing Imagine its branches reaching towards the skybending with the breezes Imagine yourselfdeeply rootedtouching the sky,strong and calm. (Image my own)

Mindful Practice

February 11, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

In darkest times, I learned to pray, asking each day for healing and insight to guide me. I walked with awareness, appreciating the sacredness of all living things. Breathing consciously, I discovered an effective way to release tension. In meditative moments, letting go of self, I felt at one with nature. “What does that mean?” […]

Don’t Take It Personally

February 9, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

Spurred on by my mother, I left home at the age of seventeen. It was the right thing for all involved, but when my parents replaced me with two cats, I couldn’t help but feel slighted: I’m deadly allergic to cats. When my mother-in-law spiked a meal with milk, hoping to prove that food allergies […]

Dormant

February 7, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

There’s a restlessness in me that defies explanation. It’s not that I am bored – I have any number of creative projects on the go – it’s that I have a sense that I’m missing something, something that lies deep at my core. But what? And how do I access it? Something that is dormant […]

Through The Looking Glass

June 4, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

Thank you to Indie Blu(e) Publishing for including my work in their latest anthology. Through the Looking Glass: Reflecting on Madness and Chaos Within gives voice to those otherwise silenced through stigma or marginalization. The anthology features stories, poem, and artwork. Through The Looking Glass is available through Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, and other major online book […]

Burnout: A Review

May 9, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

I first heard sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Brené Brown’s podcast, Unlocking Us. Wanting to know more, I ordered an audio version of their book Burnout: The Secret To Unlocking the Stress Cycle. As a woman, their words resonate from beginning to end. Emily Nagoski, PhD and her twin sister, Amelia Nagoski, DMA, exam […]

We All Play a Role

February 16, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

February is Black History Month.

Take It In

February 11, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Robert Stephens, 26, Kansas City, MO “It was the last day of school, and I was walking with my dad, preparing to leave. Suddenly, he paused, looked at me intently and said, “Son, you’re a black male, and that’s two strikes against you.” To the general public, anything that I did would be perceived as malicious and […]

Niceness Doesn’t Negate Racism

February 10, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Courage

February 5, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As a white woman, waking up to the implications of her privileged existence, I marvel at the courage of those like Rosa Parks who stand up for what they know to be right and good. I pray for the courage to step beyond the limitations of my own prejudices that I may become an empowering […]

Chickadees in the House

A friend from my poetry circle honoured me with a birdhouse painted with Ukrainian colours. John has since passed away, and this summer we were finally able to give the birdhouse a home in our garden. Happy to say, John, that the chickadees have settled in and I am joyfully reminded of you everyday.

This Life A Road

This life a road –the way preparedsigns to guide me,and still, I get lost. Construction, distraction,disobedience – throw me off –tendency to choose tougher routes,broken down and been sidelined And yet, the road still beckons,invites progression, thrills.A rolling stone gathers no moss,my father liked to say, and so… I push ahead, keep motoring,trust the obstacles […]