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One of my close friends and former workshop participants submitted this excellent suggestion to the Baltimore Sun. The Coronavirus Pandemic is an historic time for the world, our country and for us as individuals. Devoting a specific journal dedicated to the pandemic would be a valuable legacy. Writing your reflections is important testimony to share with others as we heal both physically and spiritually.

Some suggestions for prompts:

Witnesses of kindness

Greatest new discovery

Greatest disappointment/ worry

What you’ve learned

Changes in routine – the new ‘normal’

Strategies for staying connected

On a recent fall trip to Cape Cod a long-time friend and I enjoyed a walk on the beach. At the entrance to the dunes, a school class displayed painted rocks. The sign encouraged visitors to take a rock as a ‘gift’. The rock I selected said, “You have a purpose.”

The rock sits on my writing desk and reminds me to think about “my purpose”.  Many times we think of our purpose in terms of a career or vocation. The rock has encouraged me to look beyond a career and see my purpose differently. For me, my purpose is to be there for friends and family. I am called to find different skills that offer support, encouragement, sympathy, company and more….

Journal about a connection of your ‘purpose’ to someone else. Who is benefiting from YOUR purpose? What skills were used to fulfill your purpose? What was the outcome? What did you learn about yourself? What surprised you?

Summer’s arrival brings treasured opportunities to view the stars in all their wonder. I recently finished a fascinating biography of Wrinkle in Time author Madeleine L’Engle, in which the author explained L’Engle’s belief that it takes the dark of night to see the stars, and we ALL must reckon with darkness in our lives.

Life is full of moments when we must “reckon with the darkness” and find the strength to move forward and capture the light. My journaling ministry was the result of overcoming a personal challenge. During my time of darkness, I started journaling as a way to understand my inner self and become more confident and resilient. More than 30 years later, I continue journaling to understand the balance of darkness and light in my life.

What about you? Has an unexpected illness given you new insights and perspectives on life and health? Has a relationship tested your compassion and revealed new understandings? Did a new job bring anxiety along with a much-needed fresh start? Did moving to a new town challenge you to establish roots and meaningful connections? Did saying goodbye to a loved one bring both sadness and opportunities to relive special memories?

Try journaling about a time of darkness that led you to the stars:

• What was the experience?
• Who or what helped you through?
• What blessings were a result of the journey?
• What did you learn about yourself and others?

The beautiful spring came;

and when Nature resumes her loveliness,

the human soul is apt to revive also.

                                                                           Harriet Ann Jacobs

The arrival of spring awakens our souls. Let us reach within our own ‘soil’ and germinate the gifts we have been given. Are you a great conversationalist, do others enjoy your sense of humor, does creating a meal bring you pleasure, does sending messages and cards bring you joy and satisfaction, does the company of children bring joy and purpose, or do you enjoy creating craft/art projects?

You are the gardener… What gift are you using and what are you cultivating?

Hello, welcome to flight #2023…

We are prepared to take-off into the New Year. Please make sure your attitude and blessings are secured and locked in an upright position. All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should we lose altitude under pressure during the flight, reach up and pull down a prayer. Prayers will automatically be activated by faith. Once your faith is activated, you can assist other passengers. There will be no baggage allowed on this flight. Our spiritual captain has cleared us for takeoff. Our destination is Greatness. Enjoy the flight.

Consider writing a prayer to help you on your journey to Greatness.

What requires faith?

What baggage do you need to let go?

What help do you need from your captain?

Thanks and appreciation to my yoga instructor, Dagmar Bohlmann, for sharing this selection. Her website is http://dagmarbohlmann.com/yogahikes.html