Breathing Space Chicago

This quote dropped right into my heart. I've been asking myself what moment(s) took my breath away pretty often. Today, while walking in the forest preserve, I noticed at least two. Now I wonder how many happen below consciousness (whoa right?).
The photo of one of the moments, of course, doesn't really capture the magic but allowed for me to take the moment and savor it.
The sunlight hit the leaves on the ground in such a way that they glowed!

I had such a wonderful time hosting and getting out to see the art and artists at Pilsen Open Studios this past weekend. I am thankful for connecting and reconnecting with some neat humans. For the art and conversation, and the sun appearing on Sunday. For the luck at stumbling into some live music at another festival in the neighborhood.

As it happens, since Monday life began to move too quickly and had more bumps than typical. I am grateful I went into the week with a full tank. I am grateful that my practices have helped me know what supports me in finding some kind of ground to stand upon (and I am still learning). Watching the trees dance outside the window, cloud gazing, feeling the fuzzy blanket on my lap, warm baths, and a well-chosen tune. Thank you trees, clouds, fuzzy blanket, and music. I am grateful for the people in my life who can hold space. And for my ability to reach out to these friends.

Hey there, friends! Guess what? I have a piece that will be shown as part of the Beautiful Souls Coffin show at the Pilsen Arts Community House (PACH). Wha? Let me fill you in... 

I was at an opening at PACH talking with my dear friend, Teresa M. She suggested I make a coffin for the show. I froze and thought, "I'm too busy" - but I knew I needed to slow it down and consider it from a state other than freeze. 

I was busy, and perhaps this was an opportunity to be creative, which can be a stress buster/life-giving. It could also be a vehicle to reconnect to the Year to Live course. The course, through Spirit Rock Meditation Center, is a year-long exploration of death through a Buddhist lens which helps me connect to life. As one of the wonderful teachers said early on, "We don't know how many breaths we have left, how do you want to use them" (Frank Ostaseski).

So glad I said yes to the coffin! Creating my coffin for the show did all of the above. 

If you're free, come by PACH this Friday, the 13th for opening night, and say hello :) Some of the other peices I have seen are amazing!

At the 🛫 Sam Diego Airport reflecting and savoring both my time at the International Society for Contemplative Sciences Conference and my short visits to Old Town San Diego.

So much goodness to metabolize. ❤️❤️❤️

One of my salient identities is nerd. I love learning! Today was a great day. Day one of the International Society for Contemplative Research conference is in the books. ❤️During the breaks, I was able to take in the ocean!❤️

I find that as I continue to grow, learn and heal- there is more space for grace and forgiveness – for myself and others. Forgiveness is not about forgetting, ignoring, or absolving wrongdoing. It’s about greater understanding and metabolizing the underlying emotions (maybe hurt, anger, rage, etc.). My better understanding of the emotions and conditions that lead to harmful events has helped me to know what I need to care for myself or act more skillfully.  For example, sometimes it pointed out the need to grow my capacity for challenging emotional states, setting new or better boundaries, or seeking support.

 

As I reflect tonight on the altar I created this year, I am grateful for this space of grace and forgiveness I can access. It has been a long journey!

 

I will end this post with a Buddhist forgiveness practice that has been one of the supports that got me here and which may lead to further growth.

 

To those to whom I may have caused harm, knowingly or unknowingly, through my thoughts, words, and actions, I ask your forgiveness.

To those who may have caused me harm, knowingly or unknowingly, through their thoughts, words, and actions, I offer my forgiveness as best I am able.

For any harm I may have caused myself, knowingly or unknowingly, through my thoughts, words, and actions, I offer my forgiveness as best I am able.

, , ,

" When you observe a profound piece of art you are potentially firing the same neurons as the artist did when they created it thus making new neural pathways and stimulating a state of inspiration. This sense of being drawn into a painting is called “embodied cognition.’    ― Jacob Devaney

Come see the art! Connect! Expand your embodied cognition! 

# Breathe    

Breathing Space Chicago updated their info in the about section.