A man who stayed. A woman who traveled. What their lives ask of us. Last Sunday, we reflected on a man who spent nearly his entire life on the land where he was born. Lloyd Russell Hammons didn’t leave when others did. He didn’t stay to
The reflection we shared on Sunday—10,000 Ways—spoke of something easy to overlook: that a community is not made of sameness, but of differences, embraced with care. Ten thousand readers does not mean one voice multiplied. It means ten thousand lives—each shaped by particular joys, losses, questions,
Last Sunday’s reflection on The Four Agreements began with the first agreement: Be impeccable with your word. It’s a familiar phrase. But once we sit with it, the emphasis shifts. The question is no longer simply what we say, but how carefully we speak—especially when words
Fortunately, There's a Cure (for Busyness) “Don’t just sit there, do something!” has been the marching order of modern life. But maybe the wiser advice, long buried under deadlines and to-do lists, is the reverse: “Don’t just do something, sit there.” After all, if you can’t
Caring Side-by-Side Companionship in care can work as a quiet medicine. In later life, it often matters as much as any plan, protocol or prescription: a steady presence, a soft word, someone willing to sit and not hurry the moment. When we offer companionship in care,
Breath as Prayer Breath in later life becomes a teacher. It slows us down, brings us back, and reminds us that presence isn’t a theory—it’s an inhale and an exhale. When we attend to the breath, we remember that life is happening now. In younger years, we
Slowing Down in a Busy World Life has a way of sweeping us along. Appointments pile up, headlines scroll endlessly, and even in retirement, many find themselves rushing from one obligation to the next. In a culture that prizes productivity, it feels almost rebellious to stop
Some people boast about needing only four or five hours of sleep. They treat it like a badge of honor, proof that they’re tough, efficient, indispensable. But when you reach a certain age, the joke isn’t about getting by with too little. It’s about waking
GOING BEYOND, BIG DREAMS AND YOUR NEXT STEPS By Connie Martindale, L.C.S.W. Psychotherapist (Retired) INTRODUCTORY NOTE This is our final installment. Here, we delve into the concept of “big dreams,” archetypal imagery, the importance of feelings, and how to integrate dream insights into daily life. GOING BEYOND As we’ve explored
DREAMS AND SELF COMPASSION, HEALING, AND TRANSFORMATION By Connie Martindale, L.C.S.W. Psychotherapist (Retired) Welcome to the third part of our series. Here, we explore why self-love, non-judgment, and an open heart are essential when working with dreams. We also reflect on how dreams can guide us toward