Journal of Sacred Work

Since the Journal is most often about meditations for caregivers, I decided to include a lovely example of the power of personal journaling for caregivers. Liz Wessel, R.N., M.S., a mission director at St. Joseph Health System based in Orange, California contributed the following meditation. Perhaps, it will be of help to you as you encounter yourself in the pages of your own diary.  -Erie

                                                      A Day in the
Mountains

   This morning I awoke to the rhythm of rain drumming the
metallic roof of our sun room. Today marks the end of a busy workweek, my shoulder
aching signals my need to rest and renew. I am up before dawn. Ah, Saturday
morning and I don’t have to go anywhere! There are things I should do but as my
late dear mother-in-law, Helen, used to say, “The chores will always be there,
let them wait.” For I know that today will not wait, nor the opportunity to spend
quality time in relationship with me. I hope to discover some peace within my inner
landscape. Far too often, I seek signs of external affirmation that I am worthy
of Love. Today, I wish to linger within this quiet warm glow. As our household
lies asleep, I take my first sip of coffee, not yet fully awake. This is a cozy
moment; I savor the thought of staying indoors with a wood fire burning in the
fireplace all daylong. I decide to pretend that we are in a mountain cabin in
the woods.

 A sudden sharp pain shoots
down my arm (tendonitis) reminding me it takes time to heal. I reflect back on
the six months that my brother Johnny was ill. I recall those marathon stints
when I was his caregiver during each hospitalization, and I realize it has taken
a toll on my body. I read a hospice educational handout that informs grief can
manifest physically. I think to myself, hmmm… how strange my pain mirrors the exact
location of my brother’s pain, shoulder, arm, back, and neck (although not near
the intensity of his horrific pain) and I am thankful that I have this day for
self-healing, to read, reflect, and give self-care.

I pick a book off the shelf and begin reading, Soul Mates: Honoring the
Mysteries of Love and Relationship by Thomas Moore. A passage resonates with
me as Moore describes the importance of getting to know and love oneself with unconditional acceptance.
He teaches, “We don’t take on an attitude of perfection; rather we draw closer
to those things that we feel as imperfect and let them be the openings through
which the potentiality of the soul enters into life.” Moore references Paul Tillich’s famous sermon,“You Are Accepted” and quotes Tillich, “The depth of our separation lies in just the fact that we are not capable of a great and merciful divine love
towards ourselves.” I believe the crux of this separation is our lost sense of
remembrance that we belong to Love. The dismal state of our world seems to reflect
this separation. Moore agrees with Tillich’s premise that the solution to our problems is not more knowledge, but to Love. When we open to Love with acceptance of our imperfections, divine healing occurs. This divine grace extends beyond self to others in the offering of unconditional acceptance. You see I cannot heal without you!

All the spiritual traditions point to a source of Love that empowers us when
we dedicate our lives to work for the benefit of all versus that of self-interest.
We are experiencing deeply challenging times in our homes, our communities, our
nation, and the world. The recent presidential election seems to
be a great catalyst for change and a reawakening of our collective soul. We are
reminded that every generation is called to contribute to society for the good
of all humankind. Now it is our turn to risk the challenge and respond with
Loving action. This call is a deeply personal one stirring from within, from a
place of remembrance, a remembrance of our purpose. Love shifts our thinking
from an “us versus them” mentality. Love sparks our creative imagination,
ignites our passion and lights our dreams. Love manifests in small deeds, in caring
for our “dear neighbor,” (Sister’s of St. Joseph.) The power of Love transforms us into one human heart. We are called to serve and to help heal our world in Love. It
begins with me Loving you, and you Loving me. We are all caregivers, one to
another. Listen, for Love is calling you…

"If there is
to be peace in the world, /There must be peace in the nations. /If there is to be peace in the
nations,
/There must be peace in the cities.
/If there is to be peace in the cities,
/There must be peace between neighbors.
/If there is to be peace between
neighbors,
/There must be peace in the home./
If there is to be peace in the home,
/There must be peace in the heart."

Chinese Philospher – Lao-Tse – 6th Century BCE