As we proceed through life, we assume that our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and body sensations are our own. I’m willing to believe that some of my thoughts and beliefs, while masquerading as mine, are heavily influenced by the collective … [Read more...] about Is this my pain? (or is it someone else’s?)
spirit & personal
Oh Happy Day in this Season of Lent
Last Sunday our New Thought Gospel Choir and I (a humble soprano) performed the song Oh Happy Day (our performance can be seen and heard here starting 1:00:05 minutes in) at the Center for Spiritual Awareness in West Sacramento. As I sang it, Oh … [Read more...] about Oh Happy Day in this Season of Lent
Do You Respect the Rule of Law? If So, Which One?
As we read the news and watch the yard signs popping up around us, we may hear much about the importance of the "rule of law" and whether it's being obeyed. This makes me ponder, do I respect the rule of law? If so, which one? human or … [Read more...] about Do You Respect the Rule of Law? If So, Which One?
Stop Waiting for Permission to Use Your Power
If our new presidential administration has shown us anything, it's that each of us has phenomenal power that we're not using because we think there are limits while someone else does not. Instead, we abridge our own rights and wait for that "someone … [Read more...] about Stop Waiting for Permission to Use Your Power
Meditate, Agitate, Do What Brings You Joy: Above All Don’t Abandon Hope
Lately, I've felt a bit like Rodin's Three Shades on the Gates of hell pictured in the permanent collection of San Francisco's wildly under-appreciated Legion of Honor museum on the bay's edge. "Abandon hope all who enter here," reads Dante's … [Read more...] about Meditate, Agitate, Do What Brings You Joy: Above All Don’t Abandon Hope
Four Snouts Up for Wicked: Who Is Good & Who is Evil These Days?
(:)(:)(:)(:) I finally saw the movie Wicked (part 1) the other night (several weeks after most people probably did), and it sparked many thoughts: History decides who on the world stage is "good" and who is "wicked" or evil. My entire lifetime, … [Read more...] about Four Snouts Up for Wicked: Who Is Good & Who is Evil These Days?
What’s Your Hidden Talent for Connection? (while you follow the people making change)
I hold myself out as an author, a teacher, and a minister, but not anything to do with animals. So why do I keep facilitating communication between people and their pets? It happened again this past weekend. Someone's cat had been deathly ill for … [Read more...] about What’s Your Hidden Talent for Connection? (while you follow the people making change)
Get & Stay in Denial: No, No, No, It Is Not So
In my circles, people are really into affirmations, but seldom denials. With the week in American politics we just had and the year we're facing, I think some denials are in order. Most people know what affirmations are, but in case you're … [Read more...] about Get & Stay in Denial: No, No, No, It Is Not So
What if we proclaimed our own executive orders?
As you may know, on his first day in office, the new/old president of the United States issued multiple executive orders. Some, like declaring that children of unauthorized immigrants born in the United States are no longer citizens, have already … [Read more...] about What if we proclaimed our own executive orders?
How Envy is the Root of Resentment
This just in: there's a good chance every person you resent, you also envy. "No," you say? "Not me, Sara. That makes no sense. I resent the people I resent because they're awful--what could I possibly envy about an awful person? Try to be … [Read more...] about How Envy is the Root of Resentment
Our Two Week Phillippines Winter Holiday Itinerary
My family and I recently chose to spend our Christmas vacation in the Phillippines. The reasons were random and probably wouldn't be yours: our daughter was traveling the world (in Vietnam right before this time) and my husband had lived in the … [Read more...] about Our Two Week Phillippines Winter Holiday Itinerary
I Know What I Need to Do, How do I Get Myself to Do it?
I'm preparing to lead this "Healer, Heal Thyself" support group for one year starting in January. As interested as I am in the tools that have worked for me and others to get well (whole foods, exercise, meditation, gratitude, forgiveness, service), … [Read more...] about I Know What I Need to Do, How do I Get Myself to Do it?