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.

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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.

Recent Posts

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.

Days 153 -154 – One More Circle around the Sun

“What say we make one more circle, one more circle, one more circle around the sun, around the sun.” -Peter Mayer

Universe.jpgAs June turns to greet us with gentle breezes, sun is busy splashing gorgeous colors amid Earth’s greening. Sweet scents of Jasmine, honeysuckle and lilac draw us out; birdsongs awaken us from our slumber, serenading us with ALIVE!

June ninth, 2006, marks the sixth anniversary since this sacred Journal’s inception. As I began to reflect upon this approaching milestone I decided to search the Journal archives and read June essays from those early beginnings.

A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I soaked up Erie’s nourishing poetry, images, and inspiring words of encouragement to caregivers, while reader’s impassioned responses further kindled Love’s eternal flame.

This journey has been resplendent in gifting, waxing and waning; some people stopped in for a time, received what they needed and travelled on. A few of us have lingered, some visible, some choosing privacy but contributing energy with their presence.

Some have risked being vulnerable, of being seen. We have reflected, discerned and searched for meaning. We shared (share) our deeper thoughts, feelings, perceptions, truth, wonderings, fears, frustrations, and little glimmers of our souls.

Bird in flight-2Why? What keeps us turning, returning, and circling in flight together? Sometimes, we soar and weave dreams of a greater good. Other times we tire; fatigued we fall back as others lead us forward on this sacred journey. We are fortified in love; companions with tender heartedness and strength of spirit.

As human beings we long for connection in the safety of non-judgment, trust and unconditional regard. We are learning and when we falter our friends love us…just the same. Here in this place, we can shed the forgotten, discarded, and long ago rejected parts of ourselves to reclaim wholeness and discover the Beauty of our essence. Although an inward journey, when shared, Love is expansive beyond measure.

As caregivers, let us take extra care to celebrate with Erie by nurturing the golden thread of Radical Loving Care with an open-heart. Illuminate one another with a kind word, a loving thought, a hopeful sign. Awaken now to the miracle and joy of being alive here together on this life giving Earth.

~liz Sorensen Wessel

 Note: Mandala and polyprint watercolor by ~liz  

  

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4 responses to “Days 153 -154 – One More Circle around the Sun”

  1. Angelica Avatar
    Angelica

    Very lovely, Liz, as always. Both your mandala and wise words. Whenever I return to this journal, it still feels familiar, no matter how long I have been away from the beautiful writings.
    The feeling of circling and returning is very familiar, too. At times I feel that I will not return to the robust energy of inspiration and keep moving forward. I want to just stop. Nothing wrong with stopping every now and then, but to keep going takes a lot out of a person. It demonstrates one’s trust in Him when one keeps going. I do strongly agree that we need others to “lead us forward.” It’s an idea that remains a constant in any situation: we all need one another. Without each others’ kind words and encouragement, simple “hellos” and “see-you-laters,” as well as one another’s presence (in any form), it is difficult to keep going.

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  2. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    As I reflect on your encouraging words,Liz, and feel the movement of circling within and without I am caught up in the journey of the Labyrinth. How often I need to travel inward to be Centered and then led outward to give expression to the Reality of Centering. Such journeys are in relationship with other travelers, inspiring, challegning and drawing me forth. The journal gifts me with the opportunity to connect and be refreshed and renewed on the journey. Thank you Liz and thank you Erie.

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  3. Woody Wessel Avatar
    Woody Wessel

    I only came to say I must be going. I real like to stay, but I must be going. That is a marxism you can believe in, Groucho that is.
    The world turns around the sun, as we like the world go though our seasons.

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  4. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    Liz
    Deepest thanks for the lovely way you honor the Journal’s 6th anniversary with this piece and your always=gorgeous art. Yes, it is a fulfilling circle we are traveling. Your own contributions have been crucial to our survival and for how we have thrived. – Thank you! –
    erie

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