Have you ever used the "pieces of flair" application on facebook? A lot of them are hilarious. I came across this one this morning. "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints."
I'm having that kind of day today.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Catching My Attention
The photograph at the beginning of this article. (And the article itself.)
This post at Drew's blog about pain and becoming whole.
This "To Write Love on Her Arms" post (and beautiful tattoo) at Ragamuffin Diva - the blog of one of my all-time favorite novelists. (I think I need to start working on getting that tattoo I've been wanting again - there's been a few awfully beautiful ones at Ragamuffin Diva these last couple weeks.)
This post at Drew's blog about pain and becoming whole.
This "To Write Love on Her Arms" post (and beautiful tattoo) at Ragamuffin Diva - the blog of one of my all-time favorite novelists. (I think I need to start working on getting that tattoo I've been wanting again - there's been a few awfully beautiful ones at Ragamuffin Diva these last couple weeks.)
Community and Solitude - Henri Nouwen
another challenging thought from Henri Nouwen...
Community Supported by Solitude
Solitude greeting solitude, that's what community is all about. Community is not the place where we are no longer alone but the place where we respect, protect, and reverently greet one another's aloneness. When we allow our aloneness to lead us into solitude, our solitude will enable us to rejoice in the solitude of others. Our solitude roots us in our own hearts. Instead of making us yearn for company that will offer us immediate satisfaction, solitude makes us claim our center and empowers us to call others to claim theirs. Our various solitudes are like strong, straight pillars that hold up the roof of our communal house. Thus, solitude always strengthens community.
Community Supported by Solitude
Solitude greeting solitude, that's what community is all about. Community is not the place where we are no longer alone but the place where we respect, protect, and reverently greet one another's aloneness. When we allow our aloneness to lead us into solitude, our solitude will enable us to rejoice in the solitude of others. Our solitude roots us in our own hearts. Instead of making us yearn for company that will offer us immediate satisfaction, solitude makes us claim our center and empowers us to call others to claim theirs. Our various solitudes are like strong, straight pillars that hold up the roof of our communal house. Thus, solitude always strengthens community.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
On Freedom (addendum)
On Sunday, I wrote here about freedom.
I was chatting on the phone with my friend Faye tonight, catching up a little, and planning a time to see each other next week, and was rehearsing some of the thoughts I wrote on Sunday for her.
I complained that no one ever tells you that to get to freedom, you have to wade through a lot of crap first. That it's not quite the instantaneous thing that it's made out to be.
Faye offered a comment in response that I found quite insightful. She said that she thinks the reason that no one tells you that, is that most people will settle for pseudo-freedom. That very few actually do all the hard work to get to real freedom, and that therefore, they simply can't tell you how painful, and how much hard work it is to get there, because they've never really experienced it.
I think I'm thankful for friends like the one who sort of pushed me headlong into the mess I waded through on the weekend. And friends like Faye who offer insights like that. Because, despite the pain of getting there, I think I'd rather have the real thing than settle for pseudo-freedom. (Though it might be hard to get me to admit that the next time I find myself with another mountain of crap to wade through in the journey to ever-increasing freedom!)
I was chatting on the phone with my friend Faye tonight, catching up a little, and planning a time to see each other next week, and was rehearsing some of the thoughts I wrote on Sunday for her.
I complained that no one ever tells you that to get to freedom, you have to wade through a lot of crap first. That it's not quite the instantaneous thing that it's made out to be.
Faye offered a comment in response that I found quite insightful. She said that she thinks the reason that no one tells you that, is that most people will settle for pseudo-freedom. That very few actually do all the hard work to get to real freedom, and that therefore, they simply can't tell you how painful, and how much hard work it is to get there, because they've never really experienced it.
I think I'm thankful for friends like the one who sort of pushed me headlong into the mess I waded through on the weekend. And friends like Faye who offer insights like that. Because, despite the pain of getting there, I think I'd rather have the real thing than settle for pseudo-freedom. (Though it might be hard to get me to admit that the next time I find myself with another mountain of crap to wade through in the journey to ever-increasing freedom!)
Henri on Solitude (I relate to this one)
Henri Nouwen on solitude...
The Voice in the Garden of Solitude
Solitude is the garden for our hearts, which yearn for love. It is the place where our aloneness can bear fruit. It is the home for our restless bodies and anxious minds. Solitude, whether it is connected with a physical space or not, is essential for our spiritual lives. It is not an easy place to be, since we are so insecure and fearful that we are easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval. But if we do not run away, we will meet there also the One who says, "Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will guide you through the valley of darkness."
Let's keep returning to our solitude.
The Voice in the Garden of Solitude
Solitude is the garden for our hearts, which yearn for love. It is the place where our aloneness can bear fruit. It is the home for our restless bodies and anxious minds. Solitude, whether it is connected with a physical space or not, is essential for our spiritual lives. It is not an easy place to be, since we are so insecure and fearful that we are easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval. But if we do not run away, we will meet there also the One who says, "Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will guide you through the valley of darkness."
Let's keep returning to our solitude.
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