Healing Words for You
I have been thinking about all of you. How are you doing in these unprecedented times?
We are able to settle down into a new routine with this “stay at home” order put in place by our Governor of Minnesota in the U.S. Some days are easier than others, but generally life is okay for now. While we are confined to home, so many others are manning the stores and the necessary businesses around town, and let’s not forget the healthcare professionals, doctors and nurses. I so appreciate all that each and every one of you are doing in these historic, pandemic times.
I recently read this poem, written in Ireland. It touched me, especially in these times of isolation. I found it moving, and hopeful which made me want to share it with all of you.
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Lockdown
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.
March 13th, 2020
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by Brother Richard Hendricks,
Capuchin Franciscan Priest-Friar living in Ireland,
Christian Meditation / Mindfulness teacher to young people.
He shared this as a post on Facebook on March 13 of this year – 2020 >.
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Let me know … how is it going?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Health and Peace to each and everyone of you!
Nancy
Photo caption: Kilfenora Cross, County Clare by Hendrickson Fine Art Photography. >
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