Articles on Nature
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Slowing Down
There are two gears in my body: fast and stop. I am trying to find or create some intermediate speeds, but it is very difficult. I have even tried QiQong to slow me down and to notice the moment. Even with this, I find I am faster in the movements than everyone else. I can…
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Snowdrops
Today’s blog is by Bill Dietrich Recently someone who knows I enjoy gardening asked what I did during winter when there was “nothing to do in the garden.” I found myself reacting impulsively with a “to do” list of garden tasks: pruning, raking, protecting tender plants, building retaining walls, tidying up the compost pile, and,…
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To Have Eyes to See as the Saints See!
An Evening in Assisi In the spring of 2016, I spent ten days in Assisi and its surrounding region on a Shalem pilgrimage to visit the sacred sites of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. I went without knowing much about either saint or Assisi, but trusting that whatever the trip offered would…
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Learning To Sit With Not Knowing
Today’s Special Video Blog is by Carrie Newcomer, the recipient of Shalem’s 2019 Contemplative Voices Award on October 27! “Learning To Sit With Not Knowing” from “The Point of Arrival” “Abide” by Carrie Newcomer and Parker Palmer from “A Permeable Life” “Room At The Table” from “A Permeable Life”
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Note to Self When Walking (Because I Forget)
Today’s blog is by Carrie Newcomer, recipient of Shalem’s 2019 Contemplative Voices Award When walking in the woods, Or on a path, Or down the street, In a store, Or just upstairs, When you are intent on going, Wherever it is you are going, Stop. Stand still. Notice how the mind can chatter, Like purple…
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Niksen: A Time for Be-ing
Today’s post is by Mary van Balen There is a Dutch word for doing nothing: Niksen. I know this not because of my Dutch heritage but from an article that made its way to my email inbox. What does it say about our modern sensibilities that an article about doing nothing and not feeling guilty…