Day 3 - Self Care

The view from my backyard

As an expression of self-care these dark days of winter, I took off from work yesterday to make space for an online retreat with a dear friend. The two of us shared the morning together as we read, reflected, prayed, and enjoyed the gift of our friendship. I encourage you to give yourself a gift this week. Make time to do something you love.

I'll share a snippet of the retreat. Here's the poem with which we started the day.

Sounds of the Eternal

Early in the morning I seek your presence, O God,

not because you are ever absent from me

but because often I am absent from you

at the heart of each moment

where you forever dwell.

In the rising of the sun,

in the unfolding colour and shape of the morning

open my eyes to the mystery of this moment

that in every moment of the day

I may know your life-giving presence.

Open my eyes to this moment

that in every moment

I may know you as the One who is always now.

John Philip Newell

https://www.earthandsoul.org/john-philip-newell

I mentioned a couple days that I love Advent hymns. Music fills the house all day long. As I compose today's reflection, I'm listening to In the Bleak Midwinter performed by Gaelynn Lea. May the notes surround you with peace.