Across the nation we're seeing the beauty of collective grief, compassion, empathy and respect; a quartet that that supports healing and fosters unity. And sadly, but predictably, we also see the ugliness of collective blame, which fuels division and fosters fear and often, more violence. It helps no one at all! We will see more of … Continue reading A healing collective
Resilience
A choice
As our hearts ache that this happened. That this happened here. As we stand in strong solidarity with a shattered, grieving, yet courageous, resilient Jewish community. As we remember families that will never be the same - like beautiful Matilda’s. As we reflect on the worst and the best of humanity. As we celebrate beautiful … Continue reading A choice
Good tears
As Arli was put to sleep for surgery yesterday I held his hand. I’ve been in this place with him several times before. I remember holding his hand when he was two and had his first surgery. He didn’t understand what was happening around him. I did and I was praying hard for my little … Continue reading Good tears
A trifecta to master
Home! It’s always good to be home. And now to heed the advice I’m getting from all sides. “Take things slowly. Be patient. Be kind to yourself.” Now, I must admit this self-care trifecta is always a work in progress for me. May be these three things come easily for you. They don't for me. … Continue reading A trifecta to master
A gratitude posture
I had a rough night in ICU with pain after surgery and a bad reaction to some stong meds. But throughout the night, Oish my nurse provided with me excellent, calm, patient, assuring care. It made such a difference. I’m mindful again today of the amazing work of health professionals and carers across the nation. … Continue reading A gratitude posture
Standing with Min
I took this photo of Min* and her baby on a visit to the India-Myanmar border. I will never forget the day I met Min and a group of other courageous, inspiring, resilient people who had fled from Myanmar to Mizoram. About 5 million people are now displaced in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries. There … Continue reading Standing with Min
The gift of perspective
MRI results this week showed further deterioration in my spine beyond the areas where I had surgery a few years ago. This explains the increasing and extended pain I’ve been experiencing in my neck, back and head. While certainly not the news I wanted, I’m deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of my wife Megan, … Continue reading The gift of perspective
Refusing to be silent!
Robert Reich highlights that in a world of chaos, conflict, fear and injustice it’s understandable, that in our humanness, we may choose denial, despair or silence. Reich writes: “When most of us believe that nothing can be done, or assume nothing will be done, or think that silence is the only practical choice, we fuel … Continue reading Refusing to be silent!
In between day
SaturdayThe in-between day.They were shattered, broken.They were uncertain, fearful.They were cynical, questioning.They were grieving, numb.They were longing, yearning.They didn’t know what was next.It was the in-between day! And here I am,So far removed from that Saturday,and yet with so many in-between days in my life.Days of uncertainty, days of fear.Days of questioning, days of waiting.Days … Continue reading In between day
It always does this!
Africa - this continent of paradox. It always does this. It gets in my head and heart. So much brokenness yet so much beauty. The intersection of hopelessness and hope. People weeping yet people dancing and singing. The scandal of wealth exploitation and poverty. Climate crisis and yet abounding natural beauty. Bureaucracy yet innovation. Colonial … Continue reading It always does this!
apilgrimpens 