Seasons, Cycles - Missoula, Montana

"In actuality, life is full of cycles, and cycles are not always unhealthy. In our walks, we will have cycles. I think my biggest barrier is my own reaction to what is at times completely normal behaviour for anybody. 

If I could just begin to incorporate more of the principles of God's love and His forgiveness as it relates to my own inability to be perfect, then I think my commitment would be a lot more solid and a lot easier to uphold."

-Margaret Becker, in 1990 interview with Jerry Wilson for Cross Rhythms

Doorways - Butte, Montana

“Our time is our life, and our attention is the doorway to our hearts.”

-John Mark Comer in The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World 

Everyday Holiness - Montana

I’ve had this thought-full quote in pocket and it seems fitting for today, both in light of current US events AND because today is Ukrainian (or Orthodox) Christmas Day. Oh, that we will walk with eyes open to see holiness and value in our everyday people and places (hmmmm... like Jesus does....).

“My mind wanders to a friend who trained monks in ritualization. “When they started Communion,” she explained, “they would pick up the chalice without giving it any thought, purely an object to be used, not treated as holy. What they needed to learn was the importance of developing a relationship with liturgical things and become involved with them. Only then would the ceremony have meaning.” 

Listening to her, I couldn't help but imagine what my world might be like if I looked at the human beings I was closest to as holy and treated them with that same sense of respect.”

-Joan Anderson, in A Year By The Sea, p. 73-74

Back To Work View - Missoula, Montana

A perspective pointer toward gratitude for added benefits of getting out of bed on chilly winter mornings to go to work (besides the glorious sunrise bonus!):

“My grandmother used to say, “As the hands toil, so the spirit is raised above the troubled motions of the mind.” 

 -Joan Anderson, in A Year By The Sea, p. 69

Happy New Year - Missoula, Montana

“Each first of January that we arrive at is an imaginary milestone — at once a resting place for thought and meditation, and a starting place for fresh exertion in the performance of our journey. The man who does not at least propose to himself to be better this year than he was last must be either very good or very bad indeed.” 

 - Charles Lamb (1775-1834), as quoted by Joan Anderson, in A Year By The Sea, p.82

Neurosis At Bay, For Today - Greenough Park, Missoula, Montana

“I think it was Thomas Merton who said that the easiest way to rid yourself of neurosis is to surround yourself with nature, or more specifically trees.

"You can't be neurotic in front of a bunch of trees," he claimed; nor, I hasten to add, in front of dunes or sea or humble scrub pine. 

Standing here at the edge of the world shows me how exaggerated my own emotions seem to be. 

This, strong, silent place interrupts confusion, rage, and depression, and just now I feel more at home with the landscape than with people.”

-Joan Anderson, in A Year By The Sea, p.13

Infinite Flow - Missoula, Montana

Best book dedication I’ve read lately:
“Dear Grandma, 
Because you lived as is there was no finish line.
May we all learn to live such an infinite life.
Love,
Simon
- Simon Sinek, from The Infinite Game

Looking Toward Joy - Missoula, Montana

“I read somewhere that the Frenchwoman's role is to please others, but to please herself in the process ! This concept is new for me, that my own joy is my responsibility . Only I can receive it , and, likewise, only I can allow others to take it away. Not this Christmas ! I've had my fill of bleak midwinters and now set my sights on joy.”    
-Joan Anderson, in A Year By The Sea, p. 72