Month: February 2022

During my walk in the world, I can always be kind. Kindness is my truest nature. I have a heavy heart at times seeing our world so far from this, lacking in toleration and kindness.  I believe this is the result of us being unkind to ourselves. I’m learning that if I am not kind to myself, I don’t have the bandwidth to be kind to others. I’ve lived in the illusion that I could do this for much of my life. But as I’m walking in the clumsiness of vulnerable living, I’m seeing how I have discounted, invalidated, and sacrificed myself (not in a healthy way) as a means of survival. I see how these skills have made me a success in the world all the while losing my authentic self. As I become immersed in being kind to myself, honoring the gift of my body, paying attention to what I need in the moment and feeding my soul, I learn devotion, love and kindness.

Meaning, truth, and kindness are my constant teachers. They help me live through fear, pain, and disappointment. They are flames that light my heart. But flames burn as well as give off light.

How devoted are you to finding meaning and God’s goodness in your life? As Mark Nepo says in the Book of Soul, “It takes effort to stay immersed until wonder reveals itself, and devotion to stay immersed until wonder becomes a way of life.” The word “devote” comes from the Latin meaning “to uphold a vow.” My life has been ever transforming since I became immersed and devoted to God’s goodness.