This feels like just the right wisdom for this moment …
Rabbi Rami Shapiro writes a column for Spirituality & Health magazine, where he answers questions. He’s really very good. He’s compassionate, direct and sometimes very, very funny.
In the November/December 2018 issue, which happened into my lap recently, the editors gave a little little bit of background on how Rabbi Shapiro came to have a column with Spirituality & Health, and they shared his answers to life’s 5 Big Questions.
What Am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What am I here to do? Why?
And it is the Why questions whose answer I deeply appreciated, as I make my way though another of life’s inevitable shifts. Here is a brief snippet:
“You are not here to win something, or to earn something, or to escape to some other dimension. You don’t have to find something extra from life, you only have to live life rightly – with curiosity, courage, and compassion. When you do, your heart will open and you will be filled with an ever-increasing capacity to love and be loved …. you are an experiment; you are a way life explores living. Live your life as an experiment, and see what you can learn about living well, taking care of self and others. And then share what you learn with others.
This is why you are here.”
Small boxes and wee sets of drawers will literally call me from another side of a store … “Sarah, we are over here … and we need you to help us!” Both practical and with good bones, these two little treasures found their way into my studio recently. They were plain and boring, but with a certain style. Each asked for a different approach. The three-drawer one is solid aromatic cedar and in my world, would hold pens and things, but in the real world, it is most likely for jewelry. Which is fine, don’t get me wrong!
The six-drawer one is solid birch plywood, very sturdy, and perfect for corralling all sorts of things (for me, pens again). When it came to knobs, I couldn’t find any that were suitable for size, so I made my own. I also used three different exotic wood veneers on the drawer fronts, which belies the humble wood beneath. It feels rich in so many ways, I was so pleased to see it come together.
Alas, they were not to be mine and hold my wares … but rather, to become a treasure for someone else’s treasures. The are waiting at the Salish Sea Market in Bowser, BC, for their forever homes.
What’s been keeping me reading these days …
As you can see, I have fallen for a couple of authors in this pile of reading materials … Matt Haig and Brené Brown.
Sometimes I think the best way to say how much I enjoyed a book, is to see how many flags I put on the pages. Let’s just say, I might have to go out and buy some more sticky flags ….
Blue Grass Velvet is the name of the ink, from Ferris Wheel Press, in Toronto, Ontario. It is exactly the colour of the box. It is luscious and lovely and a colour I never thought I would buy.
But then, it grabbed me and I am glad it did. I love it. And because I love it so much, I filled up my oldest everyday fountain pen with it. My Waterman gold nib is perfect for it. The writing experience smooth and velvety … yes, just perfect!
And the name reminds me of my mother … she wore Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass perfume … it’s almost as if I can smell the scent when I write!
Check them out … they have many more amazing colours! ferriswheelpress.ca
photo by Wendy Morisseau
As this year ends and a new one is on the horizon, so is a new life for me and my partner Mary Ann. We have to move. After 16.5 years in our place, the house has been sold, and we are new-home bound.
This is a big deal on so many levels … it means looking at our lives and seeing what fits and doesn’t, right now and going into the next age and stage of our lives. It is rich with experience, that’s for sure. As yet, we don’t know where our next home will be. Nanaimo is a somewhat busy rental market, and the sticker shock of current rents means we have to rethink things – a lot!
But this is not our first rodeo, as the saying goes … and we remain in a state of trust and faith that things will work out in our highest and best interests. We are blessed to have friends and family who hold that same wish for and with us, so we feel supported, even though we don’t have answers. The next while is going to stir up lots, as we let go of many things that have been around and in our lives for decades. But this is part of life.
This is where I am sure the “on a positive note” mandala deck is keeping this present in my head and heart, as it reminds me daily that “I will be the river”, “I am happy” and “I surrender to what is”
My wish for all of us is that our lives remain rich in love and connection!
~sarah
wonderful article Sarah, so much charm and positivity in it. Hope you soon find the next abode. We wish you and Mary Ann a good New Year.
Thanks Di … we are lucky to have friends like you in our corner!!
It is always so lovely to hear your thoughts and read your ramblings through life. I know there is a (lucky) perfect place that is waiting for you and you will find each other in the right timing. I miss our visits. Maybe Ontario is the place that is calling??!! Sending much love to you both. May your New Year be one of good health, happiness and new adventures.
Thank you dear Alberta! Alas, I don’t think Ontario is calling, but you are not the only one to suggest that!! I so miss our visits!!!
Dearest Sarah…
Every word of your note resonated for me. Grateful this morning that the first “outside” thoughts I received were those of Rabbi Shapiro. It’s soooo easy to misplace my wiser self’s perspective—these words dropped it back in place. I’ll be holding you and Mary Ann in my thoughts as you discover your next home. May this be a peaceful, even rewarding move for you both.
With love,
Thank you Sherri! Yes, when I read Rabbi Shapiro’s words yesterday I felt a sense of calming, and that was a very good feeling to have in these times! MAry Ann and I take your support and vision for us to heart, and are deeply grateful. Be well, ~sarah
I also resonated witih Rabbi Shapiro’s words on the purpose of life. It’s not about what we “achieve,” as measured by money, fame, success of some sort; rather, it’s about living it with passion or enthusiasm, with curiosity, and integrity – live it, share it, pass it on! Love it!
As for the home hunting, I get that Ontario isn’t “calling.” But maybe, just maybe, BC is ready to return you both? 🙂 Just by way of saying that you have love flowing from all over, including from Ontarians!
Stephanie, there is no doubt that we have loving family and friends who would embrace us with welcoming arms in Ontario … we feel it, love it and are so very, very grateful for the love and support that comes to us … every single day! Let’s see what the future brings! ~s
Sarah, how lovely this quiet sharing of major news! I love your beginning with Rabbi Shapiro’s splendid and assured statement of our true ‘Why’. It’s terrifically refreshing, on all levels, especially just now.
So too are your own thoughts, news bits, and comments here, resonant with the paradoxes of big change. The imposed shift of homebase you’re now to navigate is exciting in many ways — part of the Great River’s Flow all right! Rarely easy, always right.
Your new home awaits your discovery of it, and you and Mary Ann are bringing much enrichment to its waiting embrace (and to its environs!) as you wrangle the rapids en route to re-settling. Tonnes of love to you two Wonderful Wenches as you draw on your amazing resources of “curiosity, courage, and compassion” within your great hearts and your dynamic, resilient, elemental bond. Adventure calls!
Thank you so much Kitty … your words ring deeply in my heart! Yes, Mary Ann and I are on an adventure to be sure, and our paddles are poised for the flow of water around them. One easy stroke at a time!
Wow, Sarah… a move! That’s a really BIG deal for the two of you, given how comfortable this lovely setting has been for you these past many years. However, I’m sure other opportunities will open up for you that will immensely generative, creative, and nourishing… I’ll be thinking of you. Much love, Andrea
p.s. I love the blue ink and the pen… and I always have three of your mandala cards up to remind me of my inner reality. Love them!
Thank you my dear Andrea … it is the supportive energy of our friends and family that help us with this major transition in our lives … we just keep seeing it as a new adventure, and that is certainly helping!
~s