Thought for the Week

"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." -- Lao-Tzu

Labyrinth Workshop - Advent Quiet Morning

As we imagine Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men marching (or did they stagger or stroll?) toward Bethlehem, I invite you to consider your journey through Advent at the Advent Quiet Morning on November 29. We have the wonderful opportunity to walk the labyrinth from St. Philip’s, which they have lent to us for the day. I will also provide readings and images for consideration that involve the idea of journeys. There will be time for prayer and journaling. I invite you to take a moment at the beginning of this special season to mindfully ponder your journey, and set the tone for your Advent Season.

November 29, 2008 9am-noon at St. Mary's Kerrisdale, 2490 West 37th Avenue, Vancouver. Phone 604-261-4228 or 604-908-3665 for details or email romapalmer@gmail.com

Thought for the Week

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

- Marcel Proust

Thought for the Week

Most of us focus on what we want life to give us. In fact, it is just this kind of thinking that creates the victim mentality that is sweeping our society today. The victim mentality is self-destructive as it says rather pathetically, "Poor me. I'm not getting what I want." We need to learn that when we play the role of victim, we give away all our power. When, instead, we play the role of a person who has meaning and purpose in this world, our power is unlimited. And we act in wonderful ways that restore and enhance our sense of self.

Susan Jeffers, PhD from Embracing Uncertainty: Breakthrough Methods for Achieving Peace of Mind When Facing the Unknown

Fall Meditation Series

We completed our 6 week series last week, meditating on the theme of love. We summarized what we have talked about during our time together: focusing on balance in our lives and listening to our inner voice to guide us through the ups and downs of living.

I was thrilled that the group members want to continue meeting on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9pm. The format will be less formal, with a passage from scripture and a reflection read before the meditation period. All are welcome on a drop-in basis. The group will meet in the Lounge at St. Mary's Church, Kerrisdale (2490 West 37th Avenue, Vancouver). If you require further information, please contact me at 908-3665 or romapalmer@gmail.com

Thought for the Week

St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content, knowing you are a child of God...Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

From the Meditation Series

For the last two weeks we have been focusing on Inner Wisdom. Whether you believe this inner voice is that of God or some higher self, our focus for our evenings has been trying to access this intelligence. The first week we worked on opening ourselves to this wisdom and listening to what it was saying to us. The second week we concentrated on asking this part of us a question in the hopes we would receive some sort of answer.

The idea was floated that our daily decision-making does not necessarily come from this place; but from reacting to our circumstances and a mentality of 'putting out fires' or keeping ourselves afloat. When we tune into what our hearts are telling us, we remember what our overriding intentions and goals are. Reconnecting with this part of us allows us to keep those big goals in mind as we go through our days, and, hopefully, make lasting decisions that help us achieve our potential.

Thought for the Week

But I want first of all...to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye, a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry out [my] obligations and activities as well as I can.

from Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

From the Meditation Series

Perspective

Something we all aspire to maintain in the midst of all manner of crises. Last Thursday we discussed that, although we cannot control the stressors that surround us, we can choose how we move through a difficult time. Slowing down and taking time to breathe helps a person remember what their priorities and desires are: a necessity when we feel we are spinning out of control in a crisis. If we yield to the pressure and speed ourselves up to match our surroundings, we forget what our true motivations are.

The practice of meditation was likened to practising first aid. We practise and practise in a neutral setting so that it becomes the first response when we are in trouble.

The importance of breathing was discussed with reference to self-defense. In self-defense classes students are taught to say "NO" loudly to their attacker, partially to draw attention to themselves and scare off the individual, but also because saying no forces the person to exhale, requiring them, then, to inhale. This inhalation is important because you can't think without getting oxygen to your brain.

So - the practice of meditation teaches us to breathe, and helps us to slow down, so that we can fully appreciate our situation and discern what is needed to help us navigate through difficult times. We can't change the events but we can choose how we cope with them.

Thought for the Week

When we are high up, everything looks very small.

Our glories and our sadnesses

cease to be important.

We have left whatever we won or lost down below.

From the top of a mountain

you can see how large the world is

and how wide the horizon.

From The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho

From the Meditation Series

Last week we discussed the idea of balance in our lives: in terms of the activities of living (family, work, exercise, spiritual practice) as well as balance within ourselves (heart, soul, mind and body). We reflected on the idea of sabbath as a gift - rest as a gift - to us and for us. A gift that we neglect, thinking if we just get one more thing done, THEN we can rest. But the truth is, we need to build the practice of 'restoring our souls' into our every day lives.

In our world and its fast pace, it has become increasingly difficult to be out of touch with the world and really take a break. We explored, through guided imagery, the idea that this time of quiet, sabbath, rest, is an opportunity to reconnect with our deepest needs and desires. That stopping in the middle of the everyday busyness is essential for us to figure out where we want to be going. How can we possibly get there if we don't know where we're going?

Thought for the Week

It's a little late in the week, but I thought I'd put this up anyway:

"You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

from Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

Financial Crisis, Personal Crisis

These are uncertain times...

The financial markets' latest dive, the Canadian election, the U.S. election, food scares and on and on. It can leave a person overwhelmed. How will all of this activity affect you and your family? Are you no longer sure you can retire when you would like? Did your mortgage just become even scarier? Are other debts looming?

Certainly all of these questions need to be answered with a financial plan. But have you considered a personal plan as part of the picture as well?

Someone who can help you gain some perspective on the situation, help you find ways to remain hopeful in spite of all the chaos that is around you, where to find opportunites you may not have considered.

This is where my services can be helpful. These crises often bring up issues around meaning and purpose in our lives. Our decisions confront us and, although we manage some uncertainty well, when it feels out of our control we sometimes need some help to find our footing again.

Call for an initial interview to see if I can help.

It's not too late...

...to register for the Run for the Cure. I'm running this year with a team from our kids' school. I continue to be amazed by how many people I know who are touched by this disease. And it's not only the individuals with cancer who are affected - parents, children, partners and friends are as well. So do something important on Sunday, October 5 and help fight for a world without cancer. Go to www.cbcf.org to register or donate.

Fall Meditation Series

Last Thursday evening marked the first of the 6 week meditation series I am leading this fall. We are looking to retain a little of the summer's peace throughout the hectic pace of 'back to school' life. We will be exploring different types of meditative prayer and learning ways to incorporate them into our daily lives.

Last session we focused on breath. We practised breathing deeply and contrasted it with our usual, daily, shallow breathing. This deep breathing is remarkably effective in easing stress and decreasing fear. But, like anything, it takes practice. Funny how something we do without thinking can be such a powerful tool in maintaining and restoring our health.

In the upcoming sessions we will be looking at balancing different needs we have of mind, body, heart and soul. As well, we will be increasing our awareness of how we manage these needs in light of the primary emotions of joy, fear, anger and grief.

If you have questions, feel free to post them here or you can reach me at 604-908-3665, or rspalmer@shaw.ca, romapalmer@gmail.com

Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 7:30-9pm at St. Mary's Kerrisdale 2490 West 37th Avenue

Tomorrow I begin my series on meditation at St. Mary's. I have been having many coincidences today which are leading me to believe I am in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time. I have been hoping for these coincidences and am relieved they are happening.

I have spoken with a number of people who are thinking of attending and I am encouraged by their desire to be quiet and connect spiritually. The emerging group has an energy that is growing all by itself. There will be people there who have meditated before and others who are trying it for the first time. How exciting!

I am looking forward to a group who will support one another in this very personal, intimate journey.

May 14, 21, 28, Jun 4, 11, 18 7:30-9pm at St. Mary's Kerrisdale 2490 West 37th Avenue