Harden not your heart, pray without ceasing

How might we show up and belong to the one life we have been given to live with a clear heart, mind, and action during times of trial?

This very large heart rock greeted me, when I unexpectedly found myself on a familiar Southern California beach, after the type of call that is never welcomed, the shock of learning a loved one is in critical medical condition, a full day of air flight, and now 60 hours later, a time for grounding in the elements of sand, surf, gravity, and a setting sun. Prayer. And gratitude, always gratitude, for what is given and gift.

I am sorry I’m not in a place to write a coherent public post this week, as the depth of waiting, breathing, being present, and streaming light and love, healing and wholeness on behalf of my loved one, family, and medical team is where my attention, intention, and tension is.

In this place, I do surrender into the present moment, making peace with an uncertain future, understanding we live in unpredictability, must cherish the present moment, the people nearby, and become love. Always the invitation prevails--to harden not your heart, practice Hoʻoponopono, show up with kindness and possibility.

I’m reminded of truth I’ve practiced for decades, and share it for both me and you:

• How might we show up and belong to the one life we have been given to live with purity of heart and intention?

• If this life is the only one we have to live, how might we become engaged and personally, passionately present?

Breathe … inhale life, your own.

Ask yourself

• What do I love about life? What am I’m most grateful for?*

• What do I rail against about life? What am I least grateful for?*

• What are my spiritual practices and the little things I do that I don’t tell anyone about? … and how are they a comfort in tough and challenging times?

• How might I be a compassionate, listening presence for others, be of service?

“God comes to you disguised as your life.” —Paula D’Arcy

If this is true—and it very well may be, it is worth pondering and curiosity. And sometimes it sucks, other times it is so sweet. I ask myself, Where do you experience God? What moments reveal love? How might I put skin on God in daily life?

In this time of pray without ceasing, I promise not to harden my heart like this beautiful stone heart rock, and to breathe on behalf of all in need. It is time to stream love and light, healing and hope. To trust. To know the depth of leaning into compassion, being held, experiencing gratitude for everyone who joins in prayer and puts skin on God through action, word, deed, intent.

May you and yours be well, and may you know peace in times of trial, and be present with others in their time of need.

Amen.

More next week.

Love,

Pegge

*Give thanks for both of these questions—they each reveal truths that over time can assist in our discernment for future action and are helpful to ask oneself—or with children, a friend, or partner—at the end of every day.