Virtual Caring Corner

Breath Prayer

During this time of self-isolation it is vital to take care of ourselves holistically. The article “How to Practice Breath Prayer" from the website “A Sacred Journey,” discusses how the daily practice of breath prayers can help calm our minds and bodies while deepening our connection with God.

Deep Peace from Iona

Remembering the BMPC trip to Scotland one year ago this week, we offer this “movement as prayer” filmed on the island of Iona. In Celtic spirituality, Iona is considered a “thin place,” sacred because heaven and earth seem especially near to one another and God is known in the beauty of nature. Deep peace of the rolling waves to you. Deep peace of the silent stars. Deep peace of the blowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth. Let peace, let peace, let peace fill your soul. May peace, may peace, may peace keep you whole. For more on the artist Betsey Beckman, see The Dancing Word Resources for Embodied Prayer, Liturgical Dance and the Arts in Spiritual Direction, in collaboration with Abbey of the Arts.

Rethinking Food During and After Quarantine

During this time of quarantine and social distancing, we all have had to think about and plan our meals and food shopping in new ways. We learned about food supply chains and packaging plant closures, adjusted to new shopping hours, and learned new ways to navigate the stores. We understood that food shortages for those in need became a daily concern. During this time, we also learned new practices and behaviors around our own eating habits. Read Five ways eating in a pandemic is improving our relationship with food.

A Moment for a Loving Kindness Meditation

Spend two minutes on a lovingkindness meditation with Spirit Rock teacher Sylvia Boorstein. This meditation was excerpted from Sylvia Boorstein’s interview with Krista Tippett for an On Being episode. View here.

Earth Day

In recognition of Earth Day celebrated this week, we join with M. Courtenay Willcox, Chair of the Environmental Justice Committee, in considering how care of the environment and the earth's most vulnerable are intertwined. May we be inspired by nature and act to protect it and all inhabitants. Read more...

Daily Prayer Practice

One way to care for yourself and maintain calm during turbulent times is to implement the following simple daily prayer practice. It can improve your outlook, set a spiritual intention for your day, and lift up those you love. It’s called the 4-2-1 program which can be done anywhere without any special books or equipment. Simply list the following: 4: List four things you are grateful for.
2: List two people you would like to lift up.
1: List one thing you hope or pray for yourself. Practicing gratitude daily for one week can lead to an increase in happiness that can persist for six months. This regular practice also has been found to increase positive emotions, reduce the risk of depression, and can increase resilience in the face of stressful situations. (Source: “Four Great Gratitude Strategies.” Greater Good Magazine-Science Based Insights for a Meaningful Life, UC Berkeley. June 30, 2015.)

Signs of Mental Strength

What does it mean to be mentally strong and how does that look in this ever changing world? The Rev. Dr. D. Scott Stoner reviews Amy Morin's book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do. “Morin’s primary point is that we often mistake acting tough with being strong. Real strength, especially in times of extreme uncertainty, manifests in the ability to be vulnerable, flexible, and willing to change one’s mind in the face of new information and facts as they are revealed.” Read more...

Our Refuge and Strength

Admiral Hyman Rickover, who offered the words from the Old Breton Fisherman’s prayer to new submarine captains – “O, God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small” – gave this plaque to President John F. Kennedy who kept it on his desk in the Oval Office. In overwhelming times, let us cling fast to the words of the Psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

~ Psalm 46:1-3

Lessons Learned in Grief

People have stated that these are 'unprecedented' times. Yet, the world has had other pandemics, and people have suffered life-changing events that have impacted their families, world views and futures. Let us remember that we have lived through times of dramatic change. The resilience that is taught can make us stronger. Domenica Rafferty, bereavement specialist at the Middleton Center, has shared some helpful insights during this time of isolation and rapid change. Read more...

Give Yourself a Break

Perhaps like many (including the Caring Ministries Team), your brain is weary of negotiating life in a pandemic. We invite you to check out four ways to be easier on yourself. Read more...

Rhythm of Grace

In these virus-weary days, a simple centering prayer can be an anchor when our thoughts and fears take flight.

“Help me feel your rhythm of grace in the movements of this day.” Write it on a Post-it, affix to the dashboard or place where it can be a portable reminder that God travels with us. These words by Peter Traben Haas, Presbyterian pastor, are from Centering Prayers, A One-Year Daily Companion for Going Deeper into the Love of God.

Mindful Breathing

“Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do.”

The words from the familiar hymn help us focus on a simple coping tool we have at our disposal – our breath. Breathing intentionally, using the 4-7-8 breath, is a powerful way to decrease stress. To learn how to do mindful breathing, click here.

Sabbath Practice of Unplugging

Turning off distractions to tune into God’s calling

As the noise of the outside world gets louder, our need for self-care increases. Sabbath is a time, a practice, an intention to step away from what distracts and turn toward God. There are many Sabbath practices that can aid this turning and quieting.

Sabbath can only begin if we close the factory, turn out the lights, turn off the computer, and withdraw from the concerns of the marketplace. Choose at least one heavily-used appliance or device – the television, computer, cell phone, washer and dryer – and let them rest for a Sabbath period. Whether it is a morning, afternoon, or entire day, surrender to a quality of time when you will not be disturbed, seduced or responsive to what our technologies have to offer. Notice how you respond to its absence.

As Michael Lerner wrote in his book, Jewish Renewal, “The weekly choice to dedicate one day not to the shopping mall, not to the television or telephone or computer, not to the consciousness of the market, opens the possibility for sacred time in which the call of God can be heard.”

Living amidst all the distractions, the constant bombardment, and the volume can be overwhelming. Being able to stop and tune into God’s peace and presence can allow us to live in safety and security, even in the center of the storm.

Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God.
With prayers for your wellness in this time,
The Caring Ministries Team

Connecting with God in Nature

Being present in nature surrounded by God’s creations

In his article, Nature Reflects God’s Goodness, Richard Rohr says, every day we have opportunities to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature. Whether an ordinary sunrise, or a cloud in the sky, this spirituality doesn’t depend on education or belief. It almost entirely depends on our capacity for simple presence.

This can be hard to do when our minds are swirling with things that need to get done. Allowing ourselves time in nature as a Sabbath practice has significant benefits. Immersing ourselves in nature calms us and allows time to renew ourselves and our relationship with God. Below is a step-by-step guide for this Sabbath practice. Try incorporating it into your life:

• For 20-30 minutes, walk slowly in silence outside without trying to get anywhere.
• Let your senses guide your walk, if you are drawn to a colorful leaf, a tree or a fragrance, stop and linger, allow the moment to be in nature, just observing.
• Do not hurry; follow your own timing and curiosity.
• When you are called to begin again, move on.

Practicing this three to four times a week has allowed me to feel grounded. Walking and feeling the heat of the sun on my face; listening to the birds; smelling the fresh air; and seeing the large trees surrounding me brings me a sense of peace, feeling nourished by all of God’s creations.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”
~ Psalm 19:1
With prayers for your wellness during this time.
Renee Malnak-Giansiracusa and the Caring Ministries Team

Sabbath Practice of Blessing

A Celtic tradition based in deep hope and kindness

Irish poet and teacher John O’Donohue writes that “a blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal, and strengthen.” The Celtic act of blessing people - and even the most mundane of daily tasks - is deeply rooted in gratitude for the sacred in everyday life.

In these days, if kindness and hope seem lacking, consider a blessing practice: Find a candle that holds meaning or beauty for you; set aside some time to say a simple prayer of blessing for someone (or yourself), light the candle, and take a few mindful breaths. Reaching deep within to extend your soul’s light can be a force for healing and transformation.

A Prayer for the Election

Lord, keep this nation under your care. Under your law we live, and by your will we govern ourselves. Help us as good citizens to respect neighbors whose views differ from ours, so that without partisan anger, we may work out issues that divide us, and elect candidates to serve the common welfare. Grant that this election may be a safe, honest and fair event; that the walls that divide us may come down in favor of peace, unity and mutual respect. Bless the current and future leaders of our land; may they be trustworthy individuals who embrace wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve you faithfully in our generation, to the honor of your holy name, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

(Based on prayers from the Book of Common Worship)

Gratitude

Poet and author David Whyte says of “Gratitude” that it “is not a passive response to something we have been given; gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of everything that lies within and without us.” In a season when many things within and without us bring discouragement, discomfort and longing, perhaps we can turn the prism and pay more attention. Whyte continues, “Thankfulness finds its full measure in generosity of presence, both through participation and witness.” What beauty do you witness? What inspires? What surprises?

Prayer: Gracious God, help me pay attention. Accept my gratitude for the privilege of being alive. Amen.

The Care Team offers thanks for all the ways you practice presence with caring intention.

Advent Hope

Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas

I am easily hijacked by distractions, obsessions and anxieties. It doesn’t take much to knock me off my center and start me worrying. Worry and anxiety often seem to be my default response to any situation. When I am faced with change, unexpected turns in the road, or even small victories, my automatic response is worry.

Intellectually I acknowledge an appropriate choice of action: stop, pray, and trust God. But most of the time I forget these basic steps that restore my balance. When I find myself in turmoil, I often call a spiritual friend of mine. I recount my situation in detail with all its twists and turns. After I’ve completed my tale, my monologue finally comes to a halt. I hear silence on the other end of the phone and then my friend asks, “Did you pray?” Usually I respond with a chuckle and a sheepish, “No, I forgot.” “Okay, you know what to do,” she says.

And I do know what to do: (1) Stop what I’m doing and turn my attention to God. (2) Pray. Turn over to God everything that is bothering me. (3) Trust God. Trust that no matter how difficult the situation, God will guide me.

CARRY THESE WORDS IN YOUR HEART TODAY
I can trust my smallest concern to God’s wisdom.
Excerpt from: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson
With prayers for your wellness in this time,
The Care Team

Advent Peace

Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas

I want to walk peacefully on the earth, kissing the Earth with “my feet,” as Thich Nhat Hanh describes it. When I walk gently on the earth or imagine myself kissing the earth with my feet when I walk, I am living in the present moment, aware of my surroundings, conscious of the effect that my walking – or talking or touching – has on those around me and on the web of creation.

Being fully present in my body brings me into this moment – now. Look! I am seeing sunlight (or faces or Christmas lights). Listen! I am hearing music (or angry voices or laughter or silence). Smell! I am in the bakery (or the baby needs changing or the candles are lit). Taste! I am eating oatmeal (or coffee or something sweet). Feel! I am sitting in a chair (or I am hurting or I am tired).

Being fully present in my body allows me to turn to God more easily, staying open to God’s leading in the next moment and the next and the next. I am here, God. What would you have me do? I am here, God. Help me walk in peace. I am here, God. Give me wisdom and strength to face the next challenge.

Walk gently, peacefully in the way of Christ’s peace.

CARRY THESE WORDS IN YOUR HEART TODAY
I will walk gently in the way of Christ’s peace.
Excerpt from: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson
With prayers for your wellness in this time,
The Care Team

Advent Joy

Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas

“We are God’s bliss, for God delights in us without end, and so….will we delight in God.” Julian of Norwich wrote these words during the dark days of the Middle Ages when the Black Death was sweeping through England (1348-50), wiping out 30 to 40 percent of the population. Julian, an anchoress, mystic and author, wrote a book in which she described visions of Christ speaking with her.

Julian’s understanding of God was unusual for her day and time. Rather than believing in a vengeful God, she wrote of a divine being who delights in humankind and invites us to delight in God in return. Julian’s ideas are radical even today. How often do we consider ourselves to be “God’s bliss” or accept the notion that God delights in us? Usually, we keep a running tally of our actions that displease God.

But our joyful, generous, grace-filled God sends Christ to the world in the form of a baby, a baby we can hold, a baby who assures us of God’s love and nurture while affirming God’s desire for love and nurture from us.

CARRY THESE WORDS IN YOUR HEART TODAY
God delights in me; I delight in God.
Excerpt from: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson
With prayers for your wellness in this time,
The Care Team

New Year's Eve Prayer Stations

New Year’s Prayer Stations. The Caring Ministries Team has put together a series of virtual prayer stations to help lead you through New Year’s Eve. Each station focuses on a different theme: lament, remembering, silence, light, gratitude, and intention. These stations guide the way to the start of 2021 and a new calendar year.

Epiphany Prayer

In this season of Epiphany may you see the Divine in unexpected places. The Caring Ministries Team offers this prayer and a link to contemplative practice on the Feast of Epiphany from Abbey of the Arts:

God of light, shining in darkness,
Through a little child, born in Bethlehem
You open to us the treasure of your grace.
Help us search diligently for him,
So that we may offer our lives to you
With thanksgiving, joy, and praise;
Through Jesus Christ, the rising star. Amen.

Self-care: ditching new year's resolutions

January 17 is “Ditch your New Year’s Resolution Day.” Why are resolutions fraught with guilt, failure and abandon? Maybe it is in our approach.

Author and speaker Beth Kempton has written a book, Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year (and a podcast by the same name) which offers insight into Christmastime and our way of starting a New Year. Kempton contrasts resolutions with revolution:

A resolution is about a ‘resolve’ or trying to re-solve the same old problems in a short burst of activity every January. This can be contrasted with a New Year Revolution. Latin 'revolvere' (roll back) invites us to sweep away the layers of expectation, worry, conformity, convention, even comfort and see what is waiting to be born this year.

Gentle questioning is a large part about discovering what could be important in 2021.

Questions for Contemplation
What did this year teach you about your capacity for courage? What risks did you take? How did they work out?
What did this year teach you about relationships, love and your capacity for forgiveness?
Where did you bring light to the darkness for someone?
Did you neglect yourself in any way? Was there a time when you did not allow yourself something you needed? If a similar situation arises this year, what will you tell yourself?
Of all the places where you spent time, which environment made you feel most calm? Where did you have your best ideas?

Your intention for the year ahead
How will you steady yourself in times of inevitable uncertainty?
What is your definition of living well? Which attitudes, habits, rituals and rhythms will help you live that way?
What are you hopeful about?
What is your overall intention for the coming year?
For more on Beth Kempton’s ideas on the New Year, visit her website to listen to her podcast series. https://bethkempton.com/podcast/ (“A New Year’s Revolution” is Episode 12 in the series.)

Compassion, Your Heart, and Love

February is a short yet full month. Within its mere 28 days is Black History Month, National Heart Month, Valentine’s Day, and the beginning of Lent. How can we respond to these invitations? One way to respond is to show up with “more”: more understanding, more presence, more vulnerability and more compassion. The spiritual practice of compassion can be a challenge. How do we show compassion to ourselves and our neighbor? By resting in the Lord and in the Word. The good news is we have a compassionate God to lead us through this challenge.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.~ Matthew 22:37-3

Introduction to Lenten Practice

ILent begins next week on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17). The Caring Ministries Team, together with and Anne Montgomery Schmid, labyrinth facilitator, invite you to participate in a virtual Lenten prayer journey. Father Richard Rohr says of a sacred journey, “When you can be present you will know Presence.” This journey is an opportunity to deepen your faith and to deepen your relationship with the Divine.

Beginning in next Thursday’s eNews, each Virtual Caring Corner during Lent will contain a unique prayer practice. Some will be familiar, like the labyrinth, and some will be new, like praying in color. All will foster exploration of personal prayer practice.

Know that we journey with you in this second season of Lent celebrated in a time of unknowing. Our hope and prayer is to provide a guided space and time for connection with God.

“My soul thirsts for God. For the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” - Psalm 42:2