Journal of Sacred Work

5 responses to “Days 66-68 – Open Forum”

1. 

   ~liz Wessel

   March 7, 2008

   This week the Journal has offered poignant reflections on beauty and the courage to Love amidst the pain of loss. I would like to share these additional thoughts from Jean Vanier’s book, “Becoming Human.” “To reveal someone’s beauty is to reveal their value by giving them time, attention, and tenderness. To Love is not to just do something for them but to reveal to them their own uniqueness, to tell them that they are special and worthy of attention. We can express this revelation through our open and gentle presence.”
   Erie’s teachings are quite reflective of this truth. “The number one job of a leader is to care for the people who care for people.” In my early experiences as a caregiver, I experienced two kinds of managers. One was very competent, proficient, and pleasant but when I entered into her office I felt as though I was interrupting her very busy and important work. I felt a sense of dis-ease that I was a bother. In contrast, another manager Cristina Ruby seemed genuinely happy to see me. Even though she was not my direct supervising manager she was so hospitable and welcomed me. She seemed genuinely happy to see me and interested in conversation regarding patients and personal interests. I noticed how incredibly valued I felt when I was in her presence and it was then that I decided… this is who I want to be when I grow up.
   Another insight from Erie’s teachings resonates, the best leaders are “tough minded and tenderhearted.” As leaders, we can recognize the special gifts in others and encourage their potential to develop by believing in them. This requires a balanced approach of setting clear expectations and nurturing excellence. A style of mentoring that allows caregivers enough freedom to grow and enough support to avoid failure. Vanier goes on to say, “The belief in the inner beauty of each and every human being is at the heart of all true education and of being human. As soon as we start selecting and judging people instead of welcoming them as they are—with their sometimes hidden beauty, as well as their more frequent visible weaknesses—we are reducing life, not fostering it. When we reveal to people our belief in them, their hidden beauty rises to the surface where it might be more clearly seen by all.”
   I wonder, what of your heart’s beauty yearns to rise to the surface to be seen and shared with others in this Journal today? Will you find courage to express your truth, your beauty, your Love?

   LikeLike

   Reply
2. 

   Karen York

   March 7, 2008

   I offer this quote from Plato:
   Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.

   LikeLike

   Reply
3. 

   Diana Gallaher

   March 7, 2008

   These two comments are truly some of the most meaningful, among the the very very many, that have been posted here. I think about how criticism has a much better chance of being received as constructive when a person has first had their inherent beauty affirmed. Otherwise, it is too much of an attack. Yet Karen is right, those who wish to sing always find a song. This has been my experience of the every day heroes I have observed.

   LikeLike

   Reply
4. 

   ~liz Wessel

   March 8, 2008

   For Saturday seekers….
   Matins
   I.
   Somewhere, out on the edges, the night
   Is turning and the waves of darkness
   Begin to brighten the shore of dawn.
   The heavy dark falls back to earth
   And the freed air goes wild with light,
   The heart fills with fresh, bright breath
   And thoughts stir to give birth to color.
   II.
   I arise today
   In the name of Silence
   Womb of the Word,
   In the name of Stillness
   Home of Belonging.
   In the name of Solitude
   Of the Soul and the Earth.
   I arise today
   Blessed by all things,
   Wings of breath,
   Delights of eyes,
   Wonder of whisper,
   Intimacy of touch,
   Eternity of soul,
   Urgency of thought,
   Miracle of health,
   Embrace of God.
   May I live this day
   Compassionate of heart,
   Gentle in word,
   Gracious in awareness,
   Courageous in thought,
   Generous in Love.
   By ~John O’Donohue

   LikeLike

   Reply
5. 

   ~liz Wessel

   March 9, 2008

   I am going to awaken my step-granddaughter so we can go to Laguna Beach and explore the tide pools. Crimson, just turned eight, she is the most charming and lovable little girl I have ever known.
   I take leave with a song in my heart…
   I think poetry must
   I think it must
   Stay open all night
   ~Thomas Merton

   LikeLike

   Reply