Journal of Sacred Work

Caregivers have superpowers! Radical Loving Care illuminates the divine truth that caregiving is not just a job. It is Sacred Work.

About

Former President & CEO of multiple hospital systems and founding president & CEO of 20-hospital OhioHealth, best selling author, film artist, ordained minister, composer, published poet, syndicated T.V. host, trial attorney, federal prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge. Erie is internationally known as the founder of the Radical Loving Care(R)movement. He also heads Erie Chapman Foundation, Dane Dakota Productions, LLC, and Chapman Health International, Inc.

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Day 156 – 2nd Anniversary

June 4, 2008

This week marks the second anniversary of the Journal of Sacred Work. Over the past 730 days, we’ve been pleased to offer meditations for caregivers to encourage you in the midst of your complex challenges. There have been 575 essays posted across these days and nearly 2500 comments have been recorded.
I’m particularly grateful to the small cadre of comment-posters who have been kind enough to take the trouble to share their thoughts with others across the country and around the world. The good news is that there have been nearly 80,000 so-called "hits" to the Journal site. The other news is that on any given day there could be as many as 500 or as few as 30 who read the Journal postings. Recently, the number has been closer to the smaller number. This is not encouraging in light of the popularity of blogs around the world.
The truth is that essays on loving care often have trouble finding an audience. And this leaves the question of whether we should continue this effort and, if so, what form? Choices include: 1) continuing the same, 2) discontinuing, and 3) adding new features that you may be able to suggest to us.
In any case, I am grateful for the chance to edit and contribute to this effort. On many days, when I’m wondering if I have something (or anything) else to say to you, I try to imagine those of you out there who may find comfort here. And that, by itself, provides enough energy to keep this work going, at least for now.

-Erie Chapman

Posted in Meditations

5 responses to “Day 156 – 2nd Anniversary”

Karen York

June 4, 2008

Happy Anniversary Erie and thank you for your dedication to this journal. As someone who reads this every day, I am always amazed at your ability to write something new and profound each time. I struggle many days to come up with a comment, much less the daunting task of writing the essays. This is one of the few places I visit regularly for my own self care. Here I find words of encouragement, affirmation, challenge and loving acceptance. I thank you for this safe place. My vote would be to continue the journal, understanding the need perhaps for your own self care and taking a break. I am open to assist in any way that I can to support all of you at the Trust who contribute to the well being of all of us.

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Victoria Facey

June 4, 2008

Erie, I always appreciate reading the Journal of Sacred Works. Although I don’t often make the time to go online to look it up – I have a wonderful friend / caregiver in Liz who makes sure I receive at least one transcript at the beginning of each week.
I’ve learned so much since connecting to you and others who share and reflect on daily thoughts and issues of importance. Then, there is lighter fare, such as the Laughter Club down at the beach. I grin everytime I think of that piece.
Don’t have second thoughts about stepping away from the journal yet – the candle still gives light…V.
P.S. Happy Anniversary!

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Yvonne Gonzales

June 4, 2008

Dearest Erie… I am new to this site. I can’t even imagine the personal responsibilty of having to write someting everyday. I often find myself so busy with life that I even often forget to take time to take care of myself. However, I have found in the few short weeks that I have been here in this very special place of reflecting (because of Liz) that it has brought me a place and opportunity to share not only some my personal experiences but also to read about others. It is a safe place I think to not be judged and or pressured to either write something amazing or that what you do write has to be important to everyone. I can free flow my thoughts without feeling concerned about who will read it. It is also nice to see the different perspectives in some of the postings. So you ask what would you change?? If I were to change something about the site I think it would be nice if we were able post a picture that may reflect what I am writing. There is the old saying that a picture can speak volumes. Just a suggestion. Liz I miss your postings for now, but I know you will be back soon to bring us your wonderful and engaging postings. I know too, that if you were available to post and was reading his passage today that you would definitely encourage Erie to continue his wonderful work. So I am typing it for you.

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Diana Gallaher

June 4, 2008

I read the Journal daily too, usually checking back periodically to see the comments. I value it very much. Thank you for sharing your wisdom about nuturing compassion.

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~liz Wessel

June 15, 2008

Sorry I missed this special anniversary day. The day the Journal ends will be a very sad day for me because I cherish the friendship of this caring circle. Yet, I know that life is change and impermanence. Still, I foolishly resist change and try to hold tightly that which I Love as it slips through my fingers. My hope is that this forum will continue to grow and evolve in new and different ways. As Karen shared I too will support the effort in any way I can. I will also accept and support any direction you choose of the afore mentioned. I realize too that your energy focused elsewhere might be more fruitful. I am really, really, grateful for all the Love that has been poured into this effort by you, Catherine, and Journal readers. Thank you for keeping your heart open and giving and for sharing your Love so generously with us.

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