May 2021

Elizabeth: I am grateful to have seen my family recently, and for committing my mother’s ashes “to the deep.” And thankful for Shane, who led the prayers. I have been doing a great deal of reflection on community, continuing to practice spiritual direction and enjoying a renewal in my prayer life—both with Shane and on my own.

Shane: I am enjoying learning frame drum and noticing the flowers and trees opening up. I am grateful to be fully vaccinated, and so able to return to the gym. Memoir writing continues, along with spiritual direction and getting a crash course in the technicalities of being CMA’s treasurer.

Dario: In terms of news, Kaity and I have been working on programming events for the Balancing the Scales of Justice. We built a new website (https://balancingthescales.org/), where people can sign up for the newsletter and learn about past and future events.

Annie: I am mid-move to Virginia, and to a new position as a Hospice Chaplain. I am glad to downsize again! I feel so much lighter when I have less stuff.

Joy: I am contemplating this poem from Rumi:

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
and frightened. Don't open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

I am practicing kneeling, kissing the ground, and paying attention to its wonder. I have been regularly searching for the greening of spring (which you can see in photograph above). This month I have also taken up a musical instrument and am learning to play the ukulele.