for when everything is Terrible
Awe as a spiritual practice
Happy Friday, my friends!
Today I had a few slow moments to myself after a couple of hectic weeks, and I wanted to share what surfaced when I finally took a minute to stop and listen (see the poem below). This is for anyone who, like I, might be feeling overwhelmed by the State of Things. Many people are sharing tips for how to care for ourselves during this time so that we can remain engaged in a way that is sustainable. My one small offering on this today is an exploration of awe as a spiritual practice.
I would love to know what is inspiring awe in you lately. Please share your thoughts, and pictures of pets, wildlife, and other awe-inspiring goodness are welcome!
for when everything is Terrible:
Awe as a spiritual practice
One thing I love about early spring,
when winter clings to the bare branches
of the trees,
warm and inviting but still leafless—
for a brief time,
the birds and their comings and goings
are more visible
without the cover of summer foliage.
Today, I caught my first glimpse
of the stunning red-bellied woodpecker
whom I’ve heard tapping
on the neighbor’s tree.
His red-capped head
and striking black and white bars
left me stunned in silence,
my mouth agape,
heart open.
May this little crack in me
be a space where the light gets in.Black History Month: Reading Wrap-up
As Black History Month draws to a close, we will continue reading Black history and Black authors all year long. These are some of the books by Black authors that I’ve read in the past year. For my reviews, find me over on Goodreads here. On the docket: The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks. What are some you’ve enjoyed?
Image 1:
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America by Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith
Sparrow Envy by J. Drew Lanham (poetry)
So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow
Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
Brown Faces, White Spaces: Confronting Systemic Racism to Bring Healing and Restoration by Latasha Morrison
Meditations of the Heart by Howard Thurman
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Image 2:
Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America by Michael Harriot
Theologizin’ Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly by Trey Ferguson
Sacred Self-Care by Chanequa Walker-Barnes (This one is great for Lent!)
James by Percival Everett
How Ableism Fuels Racism: Dismantling the Hierarchy of Bodies in the Church by Lamar Hardwick
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience by Sheila Wise Rowe
Blessing
May you be creative in making space for the spiritual practice of awe, which begins with slowing down and noticing. May awe allow you to find new moments of open-heartedness that will carry you through difficult times with hope, curiosity, and compassion.
Be well, friends.
Love this time of year, too, and was awed (such a great word) by a gorgeous male cardinal sitting at the very tip top of a leafless tree silhouetted against the perfectly blue sky.