Seeing Simply

Navigating liminal time with gratitude

In this time, unexpectedly, time blurs into simplicity, a summons to live in the present of this, this, this. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Be. Be present. Be here. Be here, now.

My brother is sedated, in a world-class hospital, in a medically induced coma, to deeply rest his brain and body. It’s been a quiet weekend with him, and I too feel slowed down, cared for, and tended to with love and kindness. As I open the present moment in time, I notice that I’m seeing simply, appreciate light, detail, and dwell in the house of gratitude.

In these days and nights of liminal time, while he is very critical, stable, and we don’t yet know if and when he will wake up—though I and thousands of people pray and believe he will—or what he will experience when he wakes up, I feel like I’m in this place of extraordinary appreciation for the people around me, the minute connections, Spirit movements, mystery, and grace. The before has happened, and the future is unknown.

Images from this week, that caught my eye, caused me to pause, appreciate, ponder…

1. Morning light, quiet, shape and color, electronic doors swing open after departing his room, so much unknown. Breathe.

2. After a Strands beach sunset, top of the ramp wall. Water and time leak, color, and magnify green life. Opposites complement.

3. What will the day bring? Every step, breathe. Transition time.

4. Almost home, light in darkness, grace in harmony. Everything belongs.

In my heart of gratitude these past few days…

• Family, especially experiencing everyone helping one another

• The immediate loan of a car so I can have wheels from a 30+ year girlfriend who gives with open-hearted freedom

• A text and then unexpected few hour visit with my teenage best friend I’ve not seen in 30 years

• Shared meal and deep conversation with two special men I’ve not visited with in nearly 30 years

• A break for an appointment to receive a slightly new hair style and color, gifted by a friend who wanted to do something to help me feel comforted—she did!

• Gathering with a circle of the girls on a Saturday night—friendships spanning 40 years. So much careful listening, feminine wisdom, affirmation, shared grief and hope, and cake—lemon cake

• Island spice iced tea, extra chocolates for the hospital from the Moulin barista plus the deliciousness (and extravagance) of a Chocolat Chaud and an almond croissant

• Abundant kindness from the circle of friends who know my brother and his family

• The care from the boarding kennel owners where my many paws pack is staying

• Extraordinary service and presence from the s-icu nurses, neurosurgeon, neurologist, pulmonary specialists, RNs, specialists, families of other patients in s-icu

• Nature, birds, light, surf, rainbows

• So many mysterious connections, coincidences, synchronicities, demonstrating and affirming God’s abiding presence

• My brother

Reflect

What is your experience of an in-between time, of liminal space, in the not-quite-yet, unknown, uncertainty? How do you care for yourself, others, or give permission for others to care for you in these times?

Everything is possible. Seek beauty in simplicity. image: Hilary’s garden

Action

This week, give yourself permission to notice what turns your head, catches your attention, and invites you to slow down, pause, and experience connection with yourself and environment. What spirit permeates the time of your days and nights?

May you know and experience love and grace, however you and yours most need it.