The simple act of practicing gratitude disrupts negative thoughts and changes our mindset to see the world in a positive way.
Doug Good Feather
Thoughtful Soul Food
I have had the privilege of belonging to a women’s reflection group for a number of years. We are a dozen spiritual seekers. We meet virtually every week at 8 a.m. before we set off for our daily tasks. Each of us takes our turn as initiators. In rotation, we take the lead in choosing the topic for our morning get together. Prior to our virtual gathering, the scheduled person on her chosen theme emails to us a poem, an art piece, a series of quotes, or a written excerpt, as a catalyst for our upcoming morning’s reflection and personal sharing.
I offer you one such catalyst, the enriching poem by John O’Donohue which sparked rich sharing during our recent virtual gathering. The format was simple, as is most often the case. We were asked to share on the text or specific lines that touched us. Sixty minutes were easily filled by the insights and experiences of one another. Hopefully, it will also provide you with food for thought and soul as it did for our band of spiritual seekers. -Sister Nancy Wales
A Blessing for Presence
May you awaken to the mystery of being here
and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.
May anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift, woven around the heart of wonder.
John O'Donohue (1 January 1956 – 4 January 2008) was an Irish poet, author, priest, and philosopher. He was a native Irish speaker, and as an author is best known for popularising Celtic spirituality. (~ Wikipedia)
Source: O’Donohue, J., (1998). Eternal Echoes. Exploring our hunger to belong. London, Bantam Books. p.139. Image: Unsplash/stefzn
What Needs to Happen
On January 17th, 2024, United Way of Elgin Middlesex presented a thought-provoking meeting, launching their campaign to petition the Ontario government to double provincial social assistance in our province. A cross- section of London citizens attended the presentation at the Wolf Performance Hall to hear a panel who are well versed in present social issues surrounding poverty and homelessness.
The presenters reminded us that we cannot condone the homelessness and hunger that has become part of our beautiful province. It is unconscionable that a single person on Ontario Works receives only $733 a month for rent and basic needs. This is an amount that has been frozen by the provincial government for the past 5 years.
In London, Ontario, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment unit is $1,364 per month. Meanwhile, United Way points out that the poverty line in Ontario is $2,302 per month. What remains evident is our province needs to double Ontario’s social assistance rates to come closer for singles and families to have shelter and live as valued humans.
Looking at the above facts, what needs to happen? We may add our voices by writing to Premier Doug Ford and your local MPP calling for the doubling of Ontario’s social assistance in the upcoming provincial budget 2024-2025.
Next Steps: Letters and emails must be received in Toronto by Feb. 29, 2024. It is time to ensure that everyone has access to a dignified, livable income. You can endorse the United Way recommendation here or contact Doug Ford via the Office of the Premier website here or here. Or send a letter to: Premier’s Office, Room 281 Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ
Image: Unsplash/krakenimages
Weekly Pause and Ponder
Worth Losing Sleep Over
I just finished reading “The Circus Train “ by Canadian novelist, Amita Parikh. Her debut novel earned her instant recognition as Toronto Star’s pick as best historical fiction of 2022. “The Circus Train” is a captivating read that kept me up until midnight intent on finishing the last seventy-eight pages.
Not wanting to be a spoiler, I offer the following general comments hoping to spark your reading curiosity. “The Circus Train” introduces us to the daily workings of the travelling circus, World of Wonders, and the daily life of a circus troupe travelling through Europe in the 1930s and 40s on a specially converted steam train. As a sideline, the tale reveals polio therapy in its infancy.
The plot revolves around three main characters, Lena, Theo, and Alexandre. Lena Papadopoulos, the central character, is a young polio survivor. Theo, a renowned illusionist in the circus is the overprotective father of Lena. Alexandre is a young orphan runaway. Alexandre’s Jewish identity within the circus milieu is protected. With Theo’s encouragement, Alexandre becomes Lena’s best friend and supporter.
The story skillfully intertwines the threads of circus life, father-daughter relationships, war time dilemmas, bonds of friendship, secrets, and true forgiveness born of understanding.
I present to you a delightful reading experience!
-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ