I came across the writings of Howard Thurman while living in Washington, DC. He is really a brilliant writer. I love his prose on angels. This was a gem to find at the end of the day. I am tired tonight. This week and September in general has been busy.
As the month ends, I know that October also brings a full slate as activities start up again. Today, I received an email asking me to direct the Spiritual Exercises and I agreed. The day started with me sending a response to an email that irked me. I felt as if the person was asking me to compromise my integrity, even though I know it is innocent. I found myself driving to work and thinking about how people can create stress if I let them, without meaning to. Someone else read the email and agreed with my thinking though.
I parked my car and stood for a moment looking at a tree, ablaze with autumn’s wardrobe. Thank goodness for that flash of beauty, which allowed me to refocus my energies.
By the time I got home tonight, I stretched out on my couch to watch the news. I woke up as some talent show was beginning. I guess I did not need to know about the latest murder or violent act in our world. I would rather concentrate on the beautiful things in life. I could not help but recall the conversation with a colleague I was visiting today who wanted to know how she could control her anger better. I am no psychologist but I know that every place I go lately, people seem stressed. I think Thurman held a truth, we need to choose not to fret about the tensions of the day. We need to call forth those memories that give us the strength and inspiration of a forgotten joy or an unremembered peace. Here is a photo of my time a few summers ago in the Canadian Rockies that is not yet forgotten but does bring peace and joy.
Peace,
Suzanne
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