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Peaceful Practices : Choose Predictability and Harmony

If you happen to be feeling discombobulated in these times, you are not alone! A sense of disorganization or mini-trauma creeps in when we cannot do what we always do. One of the leading trauma experts, Bessel vanderKolk, defines trauma as being in a situation that we are helpless to change, and which seems endless (hmmm, that sounds familiar!). I have learned much from Bessel in terms of how to handle trauma, and have added some of his best “tips” in this piece.

Finding Peace in God’s Mysterious Will

This is a sermon I delivered on the Sunday in Advent devoted to peace. It is best experienced aurally, and I invite you to listen to it instead of read it, below.

Good morning. Today I want to share a message on something that is very close to my heart – peace. Over many years I’ve travelled to over 20 countries seeking stories which nurture the empathy which builds peace. This month, we are going on an advent journey together, to Bethlehem. Today, we will make two stops – first, to Mary’s home, and then, to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s.

 

Evaluating our Environmental Impact on Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! Earth day is an annual day of reflection that offers us the opportunity to evaluate where we can celebrate our successes, and where we can challenge ourselves to go further in reducing our impact on the environment. To celebrate Earth Day 2020, I've collected some of the tips and products I use to reduce single use plastics, carbon emissions, harmful chemicals and waste going to landfills.

Praise the Day

Praise the Day

Praise the old ipad that slowly obeys,
playing diverse podcasts to inspire my ways

Praise the spring tulips that boldly emerge,
splashing walls and walks with their flamboyant hues

Praise the fragrant leaves, a gift from a friend,
warming heart and tongue with their exotic blend

Praise the smartphone, the only way to see and hear
loved ones these days until the COVID all-clear

Praise the solitude, unsought and distraught,
and the transformation wrought by reading and writing thoughts

Arun Gandhi and James Lawson share lessons of nonviolence

At the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions, I had the privilege of hearing Arun Gandhi speak of his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, who guided Arun in his formative years. Angry at racism in South Africa, Arun was sent to live with his grandfather in India to learn how to transform his anger into positive action. Two powerful practices were journalling about anger in order to find peaceful ways to address it, and reflecting on the overt and tacit violence he saw or committed as a 14 year old. What wonderful life lessons in peacebuilding for us today!

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