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.

About

Days 73-74 Miracles

March 14, 2015

A miracle

There is much to unlearn. Parents reflect back to their children society’s messages about how one ought to act. Children are continually reminded and scolded, with good intentions mind you, about the right way to behave, good manners, of what to do and not to do. The voice of criticism and continual correction leaves an indelible mark.

Overtime children learn to mold their identity based on others expectations. Deep down we internalize feelings of not being enough, good enough, pretty enough, successful enough, talented enough, kind enough, giving enough.

is a change

One of the blessings in this latter part of life is to take stock of how much living we have experienced and whether our dreams were accomplished or left untouched, which motivates us to reevaluate our priorities. We have a natural propensity towards experiencing moments that enliven us and offer meaning.

in perception

Just a little willingness enables us to examine those false beliefs cultivated while growing up. We can invite all of them to the sacred alter of our being to forgive, be forgiven and release the weight of what we have carried for so long. Years of conditioning and the external influences that have fashioned our persona.

from fear

Learning is experiential. Relationships are our greatest teachers. Our closest relationships can trigger our greatest pain as we encounter each other’s wounding; the stuck places where we hold back our love.

to love

Our purpose is to love. Spiritual practices (meditation, prayer) help us to hone our listening skills so that the “still small voice” within will guide our every step. When difficult situations arise we can lash out in fear or see the Holiness in the other person (as well as ourselves.) It is easy to get caught up in the drama of life but it helps to remember that underlying all our words is a desire to communicate, “I love you.”

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Mandala by ~liz

Note: My essay stems from Marianne Williamson’s teachings and my reflections, both which are based on A Course in Miracles.

Posted in Uncategorized

8 responses to “Days 73-74 Miracles”

~liz Wessel

March 14, 2015

My son, John was married in S.Korea today. He and his beautiful wife, Eunyoung are two extraordinary human beings. It is a blessing to be here to witness their “I love you” and to be greeted by such warm hospitality by the entire Lee family.

LikeLike

Reply
Anonymous

March 14, 2015

Liz: Congratulations on the marriage of your son and his lovely wife Eunyoung and your family is also being greeted by such warm hospitality. I appreciate these words of yours “underlying all our words is a desire to communicate “I love you” Your mandala expresses beauty and love. sbeng

LikeLike

Reply
sherry

March 14, 2015

Thank you Liz,
this meditation is just what some of us parents of adult children needed to read today. You are an instrument. May you continue to be blessed, to share,and to make a difference to so many. Best wishes as your family grows.

LikeLike

Reply
erie chapman

March 14, 2015

“There is much to unlearn.” – What a great opening sentence, Liz. As you have signaled, UN-learning is one of the hardest things we have to do in order to find balance in life – and many of us never succeed in shaking off the worst of those early messages of inadequacy. You such a beautiful job of helping us “un-learn” by writing and painting love in the way that you do.
Yes, congratulations on the marriage of his son – a boy to whom you have given so much of your heart.

LikeLike

Reply
julie laverdiere

March 14, 2015

Beautiful!

LikeLike

Reply
JVD

March 14, 2015

A lovely illustration again today, Liz. The calmness and beauty of the inner eye focused on the butterfly, surrounded by the turmoil.
Unlearning and letting go. To accept ones own spirituality and the Love.
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Now as we get older it is the childish things we look forward to. The beauty of discovery, the innocence of love. Our Faith of Heart.
And maybe a couple of grandkids. Congratulations!

LikeLike

Reply
Amy

March 14, 2015

Liz, this is just beautiful. What an amazing expression of love for the newlyweds. I can’t wait to hear more about your adventure and the wedding.

LikeLike

Reply
Maureen McDermott

March 14, 2015

The miracle of Love overwhelms us once again. Delighted that you are able to be rejoicing in the wonder and joy of the marriage of your son, John. There’s something about the delicacy and beauty of the butterfly in the impressive mandala, Liz, that invites stillness, wonder, attentiveness and vision. May Love surround you and your family. Congratulations!

LikeLike

Reply