The Joy Diet

Two friends recently recommended the same book- The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life by Martha Beck.

Excellent book.  Very thought-provoking.

One of my favorite parts starts on page 75, "Creativity Step 2: Perseverate on Your Enemies." Perseverate means to obsess or brood.  She recommends naming The Enemy and writing a list of their worst traits, the stuff that really gets under one's skin.  The she suggests "that the traits and behaviors you just listed may be exactly the things you should incorporate into your own behavior, in order to fulfill your heart's desires." (p 78)

This concept of applying to ourselves what we fixate on in others has proven extremely interesting and assumption-challenging.

I encourage you to take a look for yourself!

Leaning into Sharp Points

Leaning into Sharp Points by Stan Goldberg is a thoughtful book about caregiving, specifically intended for people who are providing end-of-life care.  I also found it helpful for me in being kind to myself.  A memorable thought is that the person receiving care and the person giving care both exchange something profound in the process; caregiving isn't only about giving, it's about receiving.

Eliot from Leverage

I really enjoy the tv show Leverage.  Here's a quote that stands out from season 2 episode 2 when Eliot, the hitter, is required to lose a fight.

Sophie: Look, you told me that it's about control, about knowing that you're never going to be the victim.  And that's what keeps you going, right?

Eliot:  You think I'm upset 'cause I got to let this guy kick my ass?  I learned a long time ago, you can't control the violence.  I can take the punishment.  That's what I do.  What I need to control is not out there.  It's here (patting heart).  Always.

The Trauma Toolkit

Interesting book with a lot of practical ideas- The Trauma Toolkit by Barritt.

An memorable quote: betrayal trauma is when children are "traumatized by someone who was supposed to be caring for them."

The Guest House

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

Be grateful for whoever comes, 
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.

Hafiz 

shared by Kifah

Law and Disorder

I recently read a book titled Law and Disorder by John Douglas.  Very interesting book, especially the early chapters and his comparison with the Salem Witch trials.  He has a thoughtful, mature approach to striving for justice in an imperfect world and also honors victims in a way that moved me.

Thoughtful, mature, definitely worth a look.

Tara and Angie- Doing good to their enemy

Yesterday at Together with Friends Day Camp in Taylors Falls, I was the Bible lesson teacher.  Our story was about a Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his slave (Matthew 8 and Luke 7).  This centurion was an enemy, part of the system which enslaved the Jews and yet the he was also respectful and kind.  Jesus healed his servant and praised his faith. 

I tell you who hear me:
Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you.
           Jesus, Luke 6:27-28

I began my story this way: 
"I wish I could say that I was the hero of this story but I can't.  I was the enemy...."

I went on to tell how I had been sick and uncoordinated and no one knew why or how to help me.  How I'd become jealous of athletic people, especially pretty, thin, athletic girls. 
So hurt and so jealous that I came to hate them.  I never said, "I'm your enemy."  But I was.
Enter the hero- Tara- a pretty, athletic lady who helped me come all the way back for myself.
And after she left, God sent Angie, my physical therapist who is helping me release my old pain and coordinate all my parts.  Of course, she's a beautiful, athletic dancer.

God never sends me the ugly old healers.
Nope.
God always sends the pretty, athletic ones for me.
Because as much as my legs and back need help,
my heart needs to heal, too.

The goodness of my enemies has changed my life and my heart, I said.

"Let's give a round of applause to Tara and Angie- the pretty, athletic girls!"
And we all clapped while I cheered.